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ILLUSTRATED 

Comprising an Unusual Collection of Money- 
Making, Money-Saving, and Health-Giving 
Prescriptions, Receipts, Formulas, 
Processes and Trade Secrets 

SECURED AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE FROM 
A MULTITUDE OF 

Thinkers and Workers in Practicaf Affairs, 

AND EDITED BY 

WM. K. DAVID, 

Author of THE SHORT-RULE ARITHMETIC AND 
ACCOUNTANT’S REFEREE, Etc. 

<9 

■im. 

WM. K. DAYID, 

PUBLISHER, 

829 Cambria Street, cor. Ninth, 
PHILADELPHIA. 

Sent postpaid on receipt of price, $1.25. 










COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY WM. K. DAVID. 
COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY WM. K. DAVID. 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



Comprising an original treatise on Addition, 
Subtraction, Multiplication', and Division, 
showing how these processes may be greatly 
shortened and applied to practical computa¬ 
tions, together with easy short methods in 
Fractions, Decimals, Interest, and many rapid 
rules in buying and selling the various articles 
of commerce; to which is added rules for find¬ 
ing the day of the week corresponding to any date forever, Easter • 
Sunday, etc., together with a large but ingeniously condensed collec¬ 
tion of simple rules for all kinds of measurements met with in practical 
life. The whole designed as a Self Instructor for home study, a guide 
and reference for the accountant and practical man in the office and 
workshop, and as a text-book for special classes in schools and business 
colleges. By VVm. K. David. 

Illustrated, and Elegantly Bound in Cloth. Price, postpaid, $1.00. 




WATCH CHARM 

PERPETUAL 

CALENDAR 


Embracing an uuusual collection of money¬ 
making, money-saving and health-giving pre¬ 
scriptions, receipts, formulas, processes and 
trade secrets. Secured at considerable expense 
from a multitude of thinkers and workers in 
practical affairs, and edited by Wm. K. David. 

Illustrated, and Elegantly Bound in Cloth. 

Price, postpaid, $1.25. 

A beautiful metal pendant for watch chain or 
pocket. The correct calendar for over 100 years 
can be instantly adjusted to any date. It con¬ 
sists of an aluminum wheel (size of silver 
quarter) turning upon a gold plate body in odd 
design. Sent together with card calendar, of 
same design, for hanging on wall, pontaining 
directions. Price, postpaid,$1.00. 


2 UNIQUE 4 
USEFUL 1 

NOVELTIES 

IN I 


A MIRROR CALENDAR. Consists of David’s 
Ideal Perpetual Calendar, and a fine French 
plate mirror, size 6x8, together, incased in the 
most beautiful frame ever devised. Celluloid 
imitations of ebony, opal, ivory, onyx, or pink 
and blue silk, gold plate corners, with sub¬ 
stantial nickel holder for setting on desk or hanging on wall. The 
calendar shows through an opening cut in the face, and the wheels are 
turned from the back to set it for any month in any year. A mirror 
and calendar appropriately combiped.' Beautiful present for lady or 
gentleman. Cannot be sent by ifiklj. : Sent by express to any part of 
Uuited States, on receipt of..$2.25. 

LIVE AGEN'TS WANTED. 


ADDRESS ALL ORDERS TO.... 


Wm. K. David, 

PUBLISHER AND MANUFACTURER, 


No. 829 Cambria St., Cor. Ninth, 

The JG.u , 

HOJifiis A d H p VNA M McMANOS 

. J,l HESLEr V. YOUNC 


Coiiect.on 

Gift-— 


PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

LNT& 

young 


1 o 





PREFACE. 


It is surprising how many Large enterprises and fortunes 
depend upon some few simple trade secrets the knowledge 
of which has baffled competition and crushed all rivalry. 
The jealous care with which special information in trade and 
manufacture is guarded frequently renders it a monumental 
task to procure a single receipt or formula. Some idea, 
then, may be formed of the vast amount of labor and ex¬ 
pense necessary to compile a work of this character. Books 
of recipes are quite numerous, but to the average person the 
good they contain is too often buried beneath a mass of 
wordy rubbish. In the preparation of this work the object 
has been to present all the best as well as the latest practi¬ 
cal receipts, prescriptions, and trade secrets. Over a quarter 
of a million pages of patent-office reports, encyclopedias, 
trade journals, receipt books, and other special publications 
have been carefully scrutinized. To the knowledge obtained 
from them we include the original matter procured from 
tradesmen, chemists, and the published works and private 
practice of some of the most eminent physicians both in this 
country and Europe, a greater portion of which has never 
before appeared in print; all of which has been carefully 
tested where any doubt existed. It will be found that few, 
if any, misleading directions have been given. The prescrip¬ 
tions have been reproduced, after careful thought, in the 
form in which they were originally written. In having them 
filled patronize only honest and capable druggists. In test¬ 
ing the recipes follow the directions with rigid care, and 
practice on a small quantity of the article until you get it 
right. Realizing that perfection in anything has never been 
attained, yet we believe that the work contains more really 
practical information for use by the masses in every-day life 
than any similar publication. 

Chicago, March, 1889. 


THE AUTHOR. 

















■' ' 







































. 







































* 
















































INDEX. 


PAGE 

A Cheap Charcoal Stove. 48 

Approximate Measures.116 

Baking Powders. 15 

Bay Rum, Best.. 40 

Blood Purifier, Dr. Hamilton’s. 120 

Blood Purifying Tea.121 

Breath Solution. 34 

Butter Color.125 

Care of Teeth, Mouth,and Breath 32 

Cascara Cordial.120 

Catarrh Remedy, Electric.121 

Catarrh Snuff.122 

Catarrh Salve.122 

Cements and Glue. 24 

Armenian Glue. 24 

Glutina Cement. 24 

Iron Cement.. 25 

Metal, Glass, and Stone Ce¬ 
ment. 25 

Cement, Rubber.123 

Chapped Hands, etc., Lotion for 39 

Chilblains, Treatment of.42, 43 

Cider, Artificial. 15 

Cleaning Preparations. 7 

Lightning Grease Renovator.. 7 
Glove-Cleaning Compound... 7 
Cleaning Tarnished Silver¬ 
ware . 8 

Cleaning Carpets. 8 

Universal Stain-Removing 

Table. 9 

Cleaning Soiled Wall-paper.. 12 
Cleaning Marble and Tomb¬ 
stones. 13 

Cleaning Powder for Show- 

windows, etc. 13 

Cologne, Hoyt’s German. 41 

Common Names of Chemical 

Substances.117 

Copying Paper, Magic. 6 

Copying Pad, Gelatine. 1 

Corn and Wart Salve. 42 

Corn-Killer, German.42 

Essential Oils, To Extract. 17 

Face Lotion, Calamine. 39 

Fire Extinguishers. 4 

Fire Hand Grenades. 4 

Fire Extinguishing Compounds 5 
Fire-proofing Compounds.. 123,124 

Flavoring Extracts. 16 

Foliotypes. 2 

Freckles, To Remove.36, 38 

Freezing Mixtures.69 to 71 

Furniture Varnish. 13 

Furniture Polish. 14 

Gold and Silver Imitations.82 

Hair Tonic...41 

Hair Grower, Pomade. 41 

Hair Oil, Cream.. 14 


PAGE 

Hamlin’s Wizard Oil.119 

Hektograph. 1 

Hog Cholera Cure.125 

Honey, Artificial. 14 

How to Make an Incubator.43 to 48 

Ice House and Refrigerator. 64 

Ice Houses. Cheap. 66 

Ice Chest, Cheap. 69 

Ice Without an Ice House.69 

Inks. 20 

Black Inks.20, 21 

Red Ink.21 

Violet Ink.21 

Blue Ink. 21 

Green Ink.21 

Copying Ink. 21 

Indestructible Ink. 22 

Hektograph Ink. 22 

White Ink. 22 

Rubber Stamp Ink. 22 

Ribbon Ink. 22 

Marking Ink.22 

Indellible Ink.. 22 

Gold and Silver Ink.124 

Ink for Writing on Metals.... 23 

Ink Powders. 23 

Disappearing Ink. 23 

Invisible Inks. 23 

Ink Erasing Fluid. 24 

Kidney and Liver Cure, War¬ 
ner’s Safe.121 

Lemonade Syrup, Artificial. 15 

Liniments.119 

Liniment^ Wonder.119 

Liniment, Liquid Lightning. ..119 

Liniment, Rarey’s Horse.125 

Lip Salve.89 

Liver Regulator.120 

Manicure Powder. 40 

Manicure Salve..... ; .40 

Maple Syrup, Artificial. 14 

Maple Sugar, Artificial. 14 


Mead, Genuine New Orleans.... 15 
Medical Department—Prescrip¬ 
tions of eminent physicians, 
arranged and revised by F. 

V. Luse, M. D., Chicago, 111. 
Diseases arranged alphabet¬ 
ically. Authorities quoted: 
Agnew, Atthill, Bartholow, 
Basham, Beasley, Bibron, 
Browne, Brown - SGquard, 
Chapman, Da Costa, De wees, 
Ellis, Fenner, Gerhard, 
Getchell, Gross, Guy, Harts- 
horne,Hazard, Hebra, Keyes, 
Leibreioh, Luse, Mackenzie, 
Milton, Mitchell, Pan coast, 
Porcher, Ricord, Ringer. 

























































































PAGE 

Schafhirt, Smith, Squibbs, 
Tanner, Thornton, Trous¬ 
seau, Waring.103 

Medicated Pads.118 

Liver Pad.118 

Kidney Pad.118 

Lung Pad.118 

Merchant’s Gargling Oil.120 

Mexican Mustang Liniment... .120 

Metal and Glass Secrets.28 

Hardening Composition for 

Steel. 28 

Composition to Toughen Steel 28 

Softening Iron or Steel. 28 

Restoring Burnt Steel. 29 

Welding Cast Steel.29 

To Drill Hardened Steel. 29 

To Drill Holes in Cast Iron... 29 
To Solder Ferrules for Tool 

Handles. 29 

Soldering Without a Soldering 

Iron. 29 

Cleaning Gun-Barrels. 29 

To Resharpen Old Files,. 80 

Mending Tinware at Home... 30 
Good Way to Sharpen Razors. 80 

Razor-Strop Paste. 80 

Cutting Ovals, etc., on Glass.. 30 

Etching on Glass. 30 

To Drill and Ornament Glass. 31 

Moles, to Remove. 38 

Paints. 26 

Durable Paint for Roofs... 26, 27 

Paint for Blackboards. 27 

Removing Smell of Paint.27 

Removing Paint.27 

Pastes. 25 

Paste for Wall-paper.25 

Paste for Labeling on Tin.... 25 
Pasting Cloth or Leather to 

Wood. 25 

Perry Davis’ Pain Killer.119 

Perspiration Powder. 42 

Phrases and Abbreviations Used 

in Prescriptions.114, 115 

Pimple Lotion. 40 

Plating Without a Battery. 31 

Silver-Plating Solution. 81 

Silvering Powder. 31 

Gold Plating Solution. 31 

Nickeling Iron. 31 

Polishing Preparations.12 

Polishing Powder. 12 

Polishing Pastes and Balls.... 13 

Preservative Compounds.49 

Barff’s Boroglyceride.49 to 57 

Fickett’s Preservative Com¬ 
pound. 57 

Howard’s Preservative Com¬ 
pound.. 58 

Preservation of Butter, Lard, 

etc. 58 

Corwin’s Preservative Com¬ 
pound. 59 


PAGE 

Fruit Juice Preservatives.59 

Smoke or Yapor Preserving 

Compounds. 60 

Salicylic Acid as a Preserva¬ 
tive.60 to 64 

Radway’s Ready Relief.120 

Red Noses, Preparation for. 89 

Rose Water, Fine. 40 

Rubber Patching.123 

Rubber Stamps, How to Make.. 17 

Sea Foam, Quillaya. 41 

Shampoo Compound, Clifford’s. 41 

Shirts, How to Iron. 10 

Silos and Ensilage.73 to 84 

' Stage Illusions. 85 

The Three-Headed Woman 

85 to 87 

The Mysterious Voice... .87 to 89 

An Improved Psycho.89 to 92 

Magic Cabinets, Boxes, etc. 

92 to 96 

The Swinging Half Lady.96 to 98 
The Aerial Suspension.. .99 to 100 

The Ghost Illusion.100 to 102 

Stamping Patterns.. 6 

Sunburn, to Remove. 36 

Symbols or Signs Used in Pre¬ 
scriptions .114 

Table for Calculating the Period 

of Utero-Gestation.116 

Table to Assist the Beginner in 

Prescribing Liquids.116 

Toilet Preparations. 39 

Toothache Drops. 34 

Tooth Powder, Best.33 

Tooth Paste, Cherry.34 

Toothwash, Antiseptic. 34 

Transferring Photographs. 6 

Transferring Embroidery. 7 

Transferring Leaves. 7 

Vermin Exterminators. 19 

Phosphorus Paste. 19 

Roach and Moth Exterminator 19 

Moth Powder. 19 

Bedbug Poison.20 

Poison Fly Paper. 20 

Sticky Fly Paper. 20 

Mosquito and Fly Frightener. 20- 

Washing Fluid, Liebig’s. 20 

Washing Bluing, Liquid. 11 

Washing Soaps, Family.11 

Best Soft Soap. 11 

Hard Soap with Lard. 11 

White Hard Soap with Tallow 12 

Water Baths.72, 73 

Water-proofing Cloth and Can¬ 
vas .123 

Whitewash, Brilliant Stucco.... 26 

Wood Stains.27 

Staining Wood Rose Color.... 27 

Ebonizing Wood. 27 

Imitation of Cedar.28 

Hard Coating for Wood. 28 

Worcestershire Sauce.125 
























































































PART I.—MISCELLANEOUS. 


Gelafcige Copying Padi 

[HEKTOGRAPH.] 

By this process a letter, postal card, drawing, or other manuscript 
can be duplicated from sixty to one hundred times from one original. 
Reproductions from the copying pad are now admitted in the mails as 
third-class matter, i. e., one cent for every two ounces or fraction 
thereof. A soft, gelatinous composition, similar to that used in making 
printers’ rollers, is made and poured into shallow pans of the required 
size. The pans should be made of stout zinc one-half inch deep on the 
inside, with a lid or cover. The length and breadth of the pans is 
determined by the class of copying to be done. Always make the pan 
slightly larger than the paper used. The three sizes given below will 
answer most purposes: 

Postal card size.4x6 inches. 

Note paper size.6^x10 inches. 

Full letter size.9x12 inches. 

The composition is made as follows: 

Good glue. 4 ounces av. 

Glycerine.16 ounces av. 

Water. 8 fluid ounces. 

Break up the glue and soak in the water for a few hours, then heat 
by water-bath until melted. Next add the glycerine and heat together 
for some time to evaporate part of the water, and then strain into the 
pan, which should be placed perfectly level and filled about two-thirds 
full; skim with a card to free from bubbles, and set away to cool. An 
improvement consists in adding one ounce of carbonate of barium to 
the fluid while warm. The composition should be made somewhat 
softer for winter use than for summer, which can be done by adding a 
little larger proportion of glycerine. Another way to make the compo¬ 
sition is to soak over night in cold water best gelatine or glue 1 part, 
and the excess of water poured off. The glue is then warmed in a water- 
bath with the addition of from 10 to 12 parts of glycerine, to which may 
1 










2 


SECBETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

be added 4 to 6 parts of finely ground heavy spar, and one part dextrine 
thoroughly mixed by constant stirring. (In summer less glycerine.) 

The letter or sketch to be duplicated is written on a sheet of paper, 
with ink specially prepared for the purpose (see inks). For the original 
it is best to use smooth, well-sized writing paper, allowing the ink to 
dry without using a blotter. After writing the original place it face 
downward on the pad, and rub it gently with the hand to insure contact 
at every point. Let it remain from two to six minutes, according to the 
number of copies you wish to print. In cold weather it should be left 
longer, as it requires more time for the composition to absorb the ink. 
Remove the original carefully, and a reversed impression will be ob¬ 
served on the pad. To take off copies lay dry sheets of paper on the 
reversed impression, press gently, and remove quickly. 

When you have taken all the copies you require wash the ink from 
the surface at once with a sponge and plenty of luke-warm water; never 
use hot water. The surface of the composition will allow considerable 
rubbing without fear of tearing it, if not done roughly and carelessly. 
Be sure yc>ir “ponge 1° free from sand and grit, and also avoid scratch¬ 
ing with the finger nails. Always wash the surface with a sponge before 
using, and dry with .? newspaper. In cold weather if the composition 
feels chilled it will not absorb the ink properly, and the copies will be 
faint unless it be carefully warmed to a moderate 'temperature. Atten¬ 
tion to these details will produce the most gratifying results. 


Foh'oiypes. 

Horace M. Engle, Esq., of Marietta, Pa., has devised a method of 
taking leaf-prints of marked beauty, which he terms “foliotypes,” 
some specimens of which he sent to Dr. Gray, the eminent botanist, who 
pronounced the process a new way, and advised him to send an account 
of it to the Botanical Gazette, which he generously did. We have em¬ 
ployed the method according to the explanation there given (which we 
reprint in full) with the most delightful results, having secured prints 
of some beautiful leaves which are faithful to nature in color and out¬ 
line, with all their delicate tracery: “The method is of actual usefulness 
to the botanist, as well as a refining recreation for others who love 
Nature ‘on general principles.’ For illustrating monographs and simi¬ 
lar papers, where the number is too limited to warrant an expensive 
lithograph; for identifying a rare specimen, or as an adjunct to an 
herbarium, combining portability, unalterability, and beauty withal the 
method seems particularly fitted. But aside from this others may find a 
delightful and instructive recreation in taking prints of the entire flora 
of the old farm, the trees of a certain grove, the native annuals of a 
county, the ferns of a State, or any other special field that seems most 
inviting. Such copies may be taken in a blank book suited to the pur¬ 
pose, or, better, take them on single sheets of uniform size, as in this 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


3 


way imperfect copies may be thrown out, and when the work is com¬ 
pleted they may be named, classified, and bound, making a volume of 
real value and worthy of just pride. 

“The prooess consists in using the leaf for producing an impression as 
a printer uses type, the ink being green, and the pressure applied either 
by hand or with a press. There will be needed for the work (1) a small 
ink roller such as printers use for inking type by hand in taking proofs; 
(2) a stout window glass (10x12 is a good size) fastened securely (not 
glued, as it may warp and break,) to an evenly planed board about 
twice its surface, say 10x21. A small quantity of the ink is put on the 
glass and spread with a knife, after which it is distributed evenly by going 
over in all directions with the ink roller. When this has been carefully 
done the leaf to be copied is laid on a piece of waste paper and inked by 
applying the roller once or more with moderate pressure. This leaves a 
film of ink on the veins and network of the leaf, which should then be 
placed on a piece of blank paper and considerable pressure applied for 
a few moments. When the leaf is removed from the paper the work is 
done. 

“To get the best results several points must be carefully noted. Get a 
quarter or half a pound of dark green ink, which is put up in collapsible 
tubes costing from fifty cents to $2 per pound, according to quality. As 
gold it is invariably too thick for this purpose, and should be thinned 
by adding several drops of balsam of copaiba to as much ink as may be 
taken on a salt spoon. Much depends on the proper consistency of the 
ink. In inking the leaf is liable to curl on the roller, but it should part 
readily from it. In case it sticks tightly the ink is too thick. Take 
care that the ink is evenly distributed on the glass and roller, as it is 
essential that each part of the leaf receives an equal coating of ink. If 
the leaf is large ink it part by part, keeping the roller well supplied. 
A roller three inches long, costing forty cents, will answer for all small 
leaves and branches of plants. Clean the roller and glass with benzine 
after using. If the leaf is finely veined the lower surface makes the 
better print, but if the veins are coarse and large the upper surface may 
be used. If the specimen is fleshy or brittle allow it to wilt until it 
becomes more pliable, or if necessary it may be pressed and dried first. 
In most cases the best copy is obtained after taking one or two impres¬ 
sions, as the leaf takes the ink better after several applications. A good 
quality of unsized paper that is made slightly damp by placing between 
sheets of moist newspaper is best for general work, but in other cases 
well sized paper will take a copy that will allow a foliotype (may I coin 
the word?) to bear inspection side by side with a good lithograph. I 
find a copying press very valuable in making the impression, especially 
if the leaf is at all coriaceous. If it be soft it should be covered with a 
few thicknesses of newspaper. If it is irregular in thickness, paper 
may be laid over the thin parts, so that equal pressure is received. This 
is necessary with all leaves that have thick stems. If the branch is very 
irregular or delicate, or in the absence of a press of any kind, the speci¬ 
men may be covered with several layers of paper, and held in place by 


4 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

one hand while the pressure is applied by the thumb or palm of the 
other hand as required. 

“These particulars are as complete as practicable. Experiments will 
lead to many improvements in details. Employ tact and neatness, and 
you will be surprised at the result. ‘ . 


Fire«Exlii)gUisKers a 

Hand Grenades. 

Prof. F. S. Kedzie of the Michigan State Agricultural College, after a 
series of analyses and experiments, draws some important conclusions 
as to the value of hand-grenades, in a paper which he publishes in the 
Chicago Sanitary News. A Harden hand-grenade was opened, and the 
solution contained qualitatively analyzed. It consisted of common 
salt, sulphate of lime, and a small amount of acetate of soda. The prin¬ 
cipal ingredient was common salt. 

The effort was made to determine (1) whether the solution in the 
grenades had any more extinguishing power than water; (2) if the solu¬ 
tion had extinguishing power greater than water, what was the essential 
ingredient in the solution. The question that first arose regarding the 
composition of the grenades was: Did they contain carbon dioxide gas 
or any substance that would give up the gas by being heated? Opening 
the grenades under water and collecting the gas that escaped it was 
found that the average amount of carbon dioxide contained was about 
one cubic inch per grenade. Boiling the solution liberated a slight 
amount of gas in addition; but altogether the gas was not enough to be 
of any practical benefit in extinguishing fire. It was then certain that 
the extinguishing power was in the solution itself. Replacing the solu¬ 
tion in the grenade with pure water the extinguishing power, while 
greater than water thrown from a dish upon flaming boards, was still 
much less than the power exerted by the solution. 

By a careful series of trials it was found that the essential ingredient 
was common salt. From a number of experiments it was found that 
when a grenade, or a bottle containing a strong brine, was broken in 
the midst of the burning kerosene the flames were almost instantly ex¬ 
tinguished. A vapor seemed to spread in all directions from where the 
salt solution struck the board, extinguishing the flame as it went. 
Strong solutions were also made of sulphate of soda, hyposulphite of 
soda, borax (biborate of soda), and bicarbonate of soda and tried as fire 
extinguishers. Some worked as well, but none any better, than common 
salt in extinguishing fire. The experiment was then made of charging 
the bottles with brine and generating carbon dioxide by adding lime 
dust and sulphuric acid and corking tightly. No practical increase in 
extinguishing power froip this addition was noticed. In most instances 
the carbon dioxide gas escaped from the bottles inside of four days, 
proving that it is impracticable to attempt to use glass vessels with 
corks as a means of storing C02 under pressure for fire extinguishing. 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


5 


The conclusion reached from these and many more experiments was 
that the Harden grenade solution possesses much greater extinguishing 
power than water alone, and that it owed this power to common salt 
held in solution. We then constructed some home-made grenades, using 
flat bottles bound together side by side with wire. Using two bottles in 
this way insures their being broken in striking the burning body, which 
would not always occur when only one bottle is used. Bottles thus 
charged with brine and bound together were broken side by side with 
the Harden grenades and found to be equally valuable. 

It thus appears from the experiment that any person can construct as 
good and effective grenades as those offered in the market at $7 and $10 
per dozen. Bottles filled with brine and placed around the premises 
will afford considerable protection, especially when used upon the 
flames when the fire just begins. Salt solutions have the further advan¬ 
tage of not being easily frozen—never enough to burst the bottles. 

The Lewis hand fire-extinguisher was next investigated. This con¬ 
sists of a tin tube about two feet long containing thirty-four fluid ounces 
of soda in weak caustic ammonia. From the trials made we could not 
notice any appreciable superiority over the salt solution as used in the 
Harden grenade. It has the disadvantage of not being made to break 
by being thrown, but must be opened by having a cork extracted from 
one end of the tube, requiring a smart jerk. The solution is then 
sprinkled on the fire by the operator. 

We herewith append a number of fire-extinguishing compounds, all 
of which are highly recommended by various authorities: 

Munich Fire-Extinguishing Powder. 


Common salt.43 per cent. 

Alum.19.5 per cent. 

Glauber’s salt. 5.1 per cent. 

Soda. 1. 3.5 per cent. 

Water glass. 6.6 per cent. 

Water.22.3 per cent. 

Richardson’s Fire-Extinguishing Powder. 

Alum.41 pounds. 

Common salt.10 pounds. 

Glauber’s salt. 1 pound. 

Soda... 1 pound. 

Water glass. 11 pounds. 

Vienna Fire-Extinguishing Powder. 

Green vitriol. 4 parts. 

Ammonium sulphate. 16 parts. 

Water.100 parts. 

Proteau’s Fire-Extinguishing Powder. 

Carbonate of soda. 8 pounds. 

Alum.4 pounds. 

Borax. 3 pounds. 

Carbonate of potash... 1 pound. 

Silicate of soda solution.24 pounds. 


Mix thoroughly and add 11 pounds of this mixture to each gallon of 
water, when required. 





















6 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Transferring Photographs. 

[on glass.] 

This beautiful and valuable process of transferring photographs in 
plain or colored work has been taught at high prices under various 
high-sounding names, such as “Roman art,” etc. Photographs can be 
transferred and preserved for years which would have been soiled, faded, 
and ruined if allowed to remain on the card. 

Separate the paper print from the background or card by steaming 
it, after which dry thoroughly. Warm the glass slightly and coat evenly 
with balsam or negative varnish and place the print face downward on 
the surface thus prepared. After smoothing it carefully set away in a 
cool place until the varnish has hardened. Then apply water, and with 
a soft piece of gum rubber rub off the paper so as to leave the photo¬ 
graphic image on the varnished glass. 


Sfcaippiijg Patterns. 

Draw the pattern upon heavy paper and perforate with small holes 
all the lines with the point of some sharp instrument, dust the following 
powder through the perforations, remove the pattern and pass a warm 
iron over the fabric, when the pattern will become fixed. Any desired 
color can be used, such as Prussian blue, chrome green, yellow, ver¬ 


milion, etc.: 

Fine white rosin.2 ounces. 

Gum sandarac.4 ounces. 

Color. 2 ounces. 


Powder very fine, mix, and pass through a sieve. 


Magic Paper. 

[for transferring and copying.] 

This paper is really a valuable article, and is manufactured and sold 
under various names, such as the “stylograph,” “rapid copying process,” 
etc. It is used principally by salesmen in keeping a record of their 
sales, as three copies can be taken simultaneously with one writing. In 
this way traveling salesmen can with one writing give a copy of his sale 
to his customer (which is frequently demanded), another he can send to 
his firm, and retain the third one for his own use. It is used in a similar 
manner in nearly all the large stores, and by many individuals in their 
business correspondence. It is also valuable for transferring figures in 
embroidery and taking impressions of leaves for herbariums, etc., which 
it does beautifully, but for the latter purpose nothing equals the folio- 
type method previously explained. 





AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


7 


The paper is made by mixing pure lard or sweet oil to the consistence 
of cream with either of the following paints, the color of which is 
desired: Prussian blue, lamp black, Venetian red, or chrome green, 
either of which should be rubbed with a knife on a plate or flat surface 
until smooth. Use rather thin but firm paper; put on with a sponge and 
wipe off as dry as possible. Lay the sheets between uncolored paper or 
newspaper, and press by laying books or some other flat substance upon 
them until the surplus oil is absorbed, when it is ready for use. 

For Copying Letters and Orders.— Either two or three copies can 
be made at one time, as desired. To make two copies place a sheet of 
the magic paper between the two sheets selected for the order, bill, or 
letter, and write upon the upper sheet with a hard lead pencil (the 
harder the lead the cleaner the copy). It is best to place a piece of hard 
cardboard under all the sheets while writing. 

To make three, copies use two sheets of magic paper, placing one be¬ 
tween the first and second leaves and the other between the second and 
third leaves. Proceed as in taking two copies by writing upon the top 
leaf. A stout, thin linen paper will produce the best results, but almost 
any kind will do. 

To Transfer Embroidery Patterns.— Place a piece of thin paper 
over the embroidery to prevent soiling; then lay on the magic paper and 
put on the cloth you wish to take the copy on to embroider; pin fast and 
rub over with a spoon-handle, and every part of the raised figure will 
show upon the plain cloth. 

To Take Impressions of Leaves.— Place the leaf between two 
sheets of the magic paper and rub it over hard; then take the leaf out 
and place it between two sheets of white paper; rub again, and you will 
have a beautiful impression of both sides of the leaf or flower. 


Cleaijiijg Preparations. 

Lightning Grease Renovator. 

An excellent general preparation for removing grease, paint, etc. 


Castile soap (cut fine).4 ounces. 

Hot water.1 quart. 

Dissolve, after which add and mix thoroughly, 

Aqua ammonia.4 ounces. 

Sulphuric ether.1 ounce. 

Glycerine.1 ounce. 

Alcohol.1 ounce. 

Water.1 quart. 

An elegant general preparation for cleaning gloves, silks, etc., is 
made as follows: 

Deodorized gasoline (or benzine). 1 pint. 

Alcohol, chloroform, and ether, each. i fluid ounce. 


Mix, and perfume with cologne, lavender, or any desired odor. Do 
not use near a flame. 











8 


SECRETS OP WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


“Gantein” for Cleansing Gloves.— The preparation sold under 
this name is made as follows: Dissolve 6 parts of soap in 2 parts of 
water; add 4 parts of bleaching liquor and part of aqua ammonia. 
Rub the gloves with the fluid until clean. 


Cleai}ii}g Tarijlshed Silverware. 

[in use by all leading jewelers.] 


Cyanide potassium.3 ounces. 

Soft water.2 gallons. 


Mix and dissolve. Label it “poison,” and place out of the reach of 
children. Have the article clean and free from grease; dip in solution 
till tarnish is off, but no longer (and under no circumstances leave it in 
too long). After immersion the article must be taken out and thor¬ 
oughly rinsed in a number of waters (warm preferred), then dried with 
a soft rag or sawdust. 

Another method, which is safe and cheap, consists in using a satu¬ 
rated solution of hyposulphite of soda to which a little bolted whiting 
has been added. Apply with a brush or cloth until the tarnish is re¬ 
moved. 


Clark’s Wash for Carpets. 

Solution 1 . —Dissolve 10 parts of soap in 20 of water, and add 31 
parts of soda and one-half part of liquid ammonia and spirit of wine. 

Solution 2.—Is the actual cleansing liquid ,, and consists of 4 parts 
of liquid ammonia and 3 of alcohol diluted with water. 

The last solution is first used, and when the dirt loosened by it has 
been removed the soap solution is applied. Carpets thus treated regain 
their original colors in all their freshness, the entire operation of wash¬ 
ing and drying a large carpet requiring but two hours, and the carpet 
need not be taken up. 


Universal Siaiij Table. 

Showing at a glance what means to employ in removing any kind of 
stain from any kiod of fabric. Red acid stains are destroyed by am¬ 
monia, followed by thorough washing with water. Burn stains of nitric 
acid are permanent. Great care must be observed when ether and ben¬ 
zine are used. Keep the open bottle and the fabric being cleaned away 
from an open fire or blaze. The ether especially is so volatile that an 
open bottle will take fire from a gas-jet or blaze several feet away if the 
draft is right. You cannot be too careful. 




0 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


9 



UNITERSAL STAIN-REMOYING TABLE 
















































10 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Liebig’s Washing Fluid* 

SAVING HALF THE WASH-BOARD LABOR. 

Sal soda.1 pound. 

Stone lime. i pound. 

Water. 5 quarts. 

Boil a short time, stirring occasionally; then let it settle and pour off 
the clear liquid into a bottle or jug and cork for use. Soak your clothes 
over night in Bimple water; wring out and soap wrist-bands, collars, 
and dirty or stained places. Have your boiler filled with water, and 
when at scalding heat put in a teacupful of the fluid, then put in your 
clothes and boil for half an hour, after which rub lightly through one 
suds only, rinsing well in the bluing water, and all is complete. 

For each additional boiler of clothes add half a cup of the fluid; of 
course boiling in the same water through the whole washing. If more 
water is needed in the boiler for the last clothes dip it from the sudsing 
tub. Soak your woolen and calico in the suds from which you have 
washed the white clothes, while hanging them out dipping in some of 
the boiling water from the boiler, if necessary; then wash out the woolen 
and calico as usual—of course washing out woolen goods before you do 
the calico. The fluid brightens instead of fading the colors.— Dr. Chase. 

Premium Washing Fluid.— This fluid is equal to the best that can 
be prepared, and as it is recommended to be used in a simpler manner 
than the foregoing many will doubtless prefer it: 


Sal soda.-.4 pounds. 

Borax.2 ounces. 

Sal tartar. 1 ounce. 

Aqua ammonia. i pint. 

Spirit of camphor.2 ounces. 

Oil of turpentine.1 ounce. 

Hot water. 6 pints. 


Dissolve the sal soda, borax, and sal tartar in the hot water and add 
the other ingredients. Soak the clothes over night in water to which 
has been added a table-spoonful of the fluid for each gallon of water; 
also add a little in washing water. 


flow t Iroi) Shirts. 

BY MRS. HUSBANDPLEASER. 

Take two ounces of spermaceti, one ounce of white wax, one ounce 
of paraffine. Mix and put in a saucer over a tea-kettle in which water 
is boiling, until melted, stirring several times. Then let it get cold, 
after which put in a clean box for use. 

To make the starch: For two shirts, collars, and cuffs take one table¬ 
spoonful of starch dissolved in water; shave a piece of the above into it 
the size of a bean. Pour boiling water into it until thick, cook twenty 
minutes and set away to cool. Take one table-spoonful of starch, dis- 












AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


11 


solve it in cold water, and when the boiled starch gets lukewarm pour 
it over it, stir well, and strain. Have the garments dry and lay the starch 
on the wrong side and work it through. Be careful that the starch is 
rubbed in until the right side is wet all over. When well saturated roll 
up tight in a clean cloth. They need not lay but a few minutes. Stretch 
them on a bosom-board, and with a damp cloth rub out all the wrinkles. 
Lay a fine cloth over and iron it twice. If a collar or cuff turn it over 
and do the same on the other side. Take off the cloth and iron perfectly 
dry. If the bosom has pleats raise them before ironing dry and dry 
under them. After the bosom is perfectly dry (for this polishing process 
you need a good, smooth, hard board about two by one and a half feet— 
the harder the better— a marble slab of that size is better still), put the 
bosom on the bare board, dip a clean white cloth n water, wring almost 
dry, rub lightly over the bosom, then rub it with a dry cloth, and polish 
with back of iron or with polishing iron. If any dirt gets on rub off 
with a damp cloth and polish again. The polishing is not necessarily 
done the same day they are ironed. If your time is limited, or your 
work interrupted by callers or other duties, lay them aside after having 
ironed them perfectly dry. 


LiqUid Washing J3)uii)g. 


Soluble Prussian blue.1 ounce. 

Oxalic acid.I ounce. 

Boiling water. 1 quart. 


This makes the very best quality of bluing at a slight cost. 


Fagiily Washing Soaps. 

We see no reason why every economical housewife should not profit 
by these simple methods of preparing cheap laundry soap, as they are 
the results of practical experience. 

Best Soft Soap. 

Take 4 pounds of white bar soap, cut it fine, and dissolve by heating 
in 4 gallons of soft water, after which add 1 pound of sal soda. Dissolve 
and mix thoroughly. If it is desired the soap can be made thicker by 
adding less water. 

Hard Soap With Lard. 


Sal soda and lard, each.6 pounds. 

Stone lime.3 pounds. 

Soft water.4 gallons. 


Dissolve the lime and soda in the water by boiling, stirring, and 
settling; pour off, then return to the kettle brass or copper), add the 
lard and boil it until it becomes soap. Then pour into a dish or molds, 
and when cool cut it into bars and dry it. 








12 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


White Hard Soap With Tallow. 

Take 2 pounds each of fresh-slacked lime, sal soda, and tallow; dis¬ 
solve the soda in 1 gallon of boiling soft water, stirring occasionally 
every few hours after which let it settle, pouring off the clear liquor and 
boiling the tallow therein until it is all dissolved; cool it in a flat box 
or pan, and cut into bars or cakes as desired. It may be perfumed with 
oil of sassafras or any other perfume desired, stirring it in when cool. 


Gleagigg Soiled Wall-paper. 

The old form of this process was to use stale bread or bread baked 
to a proper consistency, but it seldom produces satisfactory results ex¬ 
cept in the hands of experts, and then it is an impossibility to keep 
from scratching the surface of the paper with the sharp points of the 
crust. A dou^h preparation known only to a few experts engaged in 
cleaning walls by contract, and who have been known to make from $5 
to $25 per day, is now used, which is far superior in every way to any¬ 
thing yet discovered. The walls can be cleaned over and over again, 
each time appearing as bright as new paper. 


Wheat flour.Three parts. 

Powdered prepared whiting.One part. 


Mix the flour and whiting thoroughly, and add enough water to 
bring it to the consistency of ordinary dough. Use by taking a small 
piece—about twice the size of a hen’s egg. Press against the wall and 
remove the dirt by making long strokes. After making a stroke knead 
the dirt into the dough, and continue doing so until it is useless. A 
quart of the preparation used in this manner will clean the walls of a 
good-sized room. 

When it is desired to keep the ingredients of the composition a secret 
a coloring matter may be added to assist in mystifying. When the walls 
are discolored by grease or marks where people have rested their heads, 
mix pipeclay to the consistency of cream, lay it on the spot and allow it 
to remain until the following day, when it may be easily removed with 
a penknife or brush. 


Poliskigg Preparations. 

Polishing Powder. —For polishing silver and nickel-plated ware, 


brass, copper, etc.: 

Fossil silica.2 ounces. 

Rouge (or fine crocus martis).1 ounce. 

Prepared chalk.4 pound. 


Rub the fossil silica to a fine powder and thoroughly mix with the 
chalk. This will not scratch the finest surface. Use by rubbing with 
a damp sponge or rag, and finish dry with chamois skin or dry rag. 







AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


13 


Polishing Pastes. 


Fossil silica. 1 ounce. 

Petrolatum. i pound. 

Cotton-seed oil (or sweet oil). 1 ounce. 

Subcarbonate of iron. 3 ounces. 

Essential oil of almonds.30 minims. 


Reduce the fossil silica to a very fine powder and mix it with the 
iron; melt the petrolatum, add the cotton-seed oil, stir in the powders, 
and while cooking add the flavoring oil and stir until ready to set, then 
run into boxes similar to ordinary blacking boxes. Apply with a soft 
rag dipped in the paste, and finish with a clean cloth. Prepared chalk 
or whiting can be used instead of fossil silica. The paste does its work 
faster than the polishing powder, and if the articles are very much 
corroded it is preferable. 

Another excellent paste, which can be put in boxes or formed into 
balls and allowed to harden, is to take finely powdered rotten-stone, 
sift it thoroughly through muslin or a hair sieve, and knead with a 
sufficient quantity of soft soap to form a stiff paste. To i pound of this 
mass add If fluid ounces of oil of turpentine. 

Cleaning Powder for Show Windows, Mirrors, Etc. 

Moisten calcined magnesia with pure benzine’. The mixture should 
be preserved in bottles with glass stoppers, as the benzine is very vola¬ 
tile. Use by placing a little of the mixture on a wad of cotton and 
apply to the glass. 


Marble Gleaijiijg. 

Rub with muriatic acid diluted with water, care being taken that it 
is not too strong. Repeat the process till clean, then wash with clear 
water. When the marble is very dirty, as in the case of old tombstones, 
use the following: 

Muriatic acid.2 ounces. 

Acetic acid.1 ounce. 

Verdigris.1 drachm. 

Mix, apply with a brush, and sponge off with clear water. Repeat 
until clean, then polish with pumice stone continually moistened with 
water as you proceed. 


FUrijI^Ure Varijish. 

White wax.5 ounces. 

Potash.71 ounces. 

Boil lightly for fifteen minutes, allow to cool, and then skim off the 
wax which floats on the surface. Apply the wax to the furniture, and 
by rubbing it an hour afterward with a woolen cloth a beautiful luster 
will be the result. 












14 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


French FUrijifcUre Polish. 

This is the best article that can be made for restoring the luster and 
color of furniture: 

Butter of antimony.3 fluid ounces. 

Linseed oil.12 fluid ounces. 

Alcohol.6 fluid ounces. 

Shellac. 2 ounces av. 

Oil of turpentine.10 fluid ounces. 

Hydrochloric acid. 1 ounce. 

Dissolve the shellac in the alcohol and add the linseed oil and tur¬ 
pentine; then add the hydrochloric acid and butter of antimony, which 
has been previously mixed, and thoroughly mix ail together. Apply 
with a tuft of cotton, and finish by rubbing down hard with Canton 
flannel or a woolen rag. 

Maple Syrlip aijd SUgar. 

[ARTIFICIAL.] 

It is an astonishing fact that nine-tenths of the so-called maple sugar 
and maple syrup sold as the genuine articles are nothing more than 
clever imitations. The method of making the best quality of these im¬ 
itations—and which really defies detection of a majority of dealers and 
consumers—is very cheap and simple, a gallon of the syrup costing 
about fifty cents and the sugar simply the cost of ordinary, cheap sugar. 
We were told by a Mr. Baldwin of Kentucky, a son of the reputed dis¬ 
coverer of the secret for producing the maple flavoring, that various 
manufacturers of imitation maple sugar and syrup in the large cities 
had paid his father thousands of dollars in royalties for his discovery. 

Procure a quantity of the rough outside bark of what is known as scaly- 
bark hickory tree. Take about 3 or 4 pounds of the bark and boil in 
one-half gallon of water until it is reduced to a quart, then strain and 
add 5 pounds of common brown or yellow sugar; heat again until thor¬ 
oughly dissolved and it is ready for use. To make imitation maple 
syrup simply boil the syrup until it is reduced back to sugar again, and 
when it is made properly the flavor and appearance of the genuine arti¬ 
cle is obtained. 


Artificial Moisey. 


Clarified sugar... 10 pounds. 

Pure honey (strained). 3 pounds. 

Soft water. 3 pints. 

Cream tartar.. 1 drachm. 

Essence peppermint.;.10 drops. 


Dissolve the sugar in the water by the aid of gentle heat; take off the 
scum, and the honey and the cream tartar previously dissolved in a little 
water; bring to the boiling point, stir well, then let it cool. 













AND GKEAT PHYSICIANS. 15 

Artificial Lerfioijade SyrUp. 

Loaf sugar.2 pounds. 

Citric acid. 2 ounces. 

Concentrated essence of lemon.2 drachms. 

Essence of almonds.20 drops. 

Hot water.2 pints. 


Dissolve the citric acid in hot water, add the sugar, and lastly the 
lemon and almonds. Stir well, cover with a cloth, and leave until cold. 
Two table-spoonfuls to a tumbler of cold water will make an excellent 
drink as refreshing as the best lemonade. 


Pest Artificial Cider. 

Water.25 gallons. 

Honey (or fine syrup). 11 gallons. 

Catechu (pure). 6 drachms. 

Alum.. 11 ounces. 

Yeast. ipint. 

Ferment for fifteen days in a warm place, then add: 

Bitter almonds..2 ounces. 

Cloves..2 ounces. 

Whisky.6 pints. 

Burnt sugar, to color. 


If acid should be in excess add honey or sugar; if too sweet add cider 
vinegar to suit the taste. 


Gei)Uii)e NeW Orleans Mead. 


Sarsaparilla root (contused).8 ounces. 

Licorice.8 ounces. 

Cassia bark (contused).8 ounces. 

Cloves.2 ounces. 

Coriander seeds.3 ounces. 

Ginger.8 ounces. 


Boil for fifteen minutes in eight gallons of water and let stand till 
cold to settle down, then strain through a flannel rag, and add to it in 


the fountain: 

Syrup.. - .12 pints. 

Honey.... 4 pints. 

Tincture of ginger. 4 ounces. 

Solution of citric acid. 4 ounces. 


Add enough water to complete ten gallons, and charge with gas.— 
Prof. E. S. Wayne , in Kilner s Formulary. 


J3akii)g Powders. 

Pure baking powders are very simple in composition, care being 
used in preparing them and procuring pure ingredients. According to 
the advertised statements of the various leading manufacturers we are 

























16 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

forced to make our own if we desire a pure and wholesome article. As 
the essential ingredients of the best baking powder are baking soda and 
cream of tartar we need only be careful in buying of honest grocers or 
druggists who will guarantee their purity. It is not difficult to procure 
pure soda, but the cream of tartar is frequently adulterated, and care 
must be used in its purchase. 

It is very important that the materials used must be finely powdered, 
perfectly dry, and thoroughly mixed. For household purposes a patent 
sifter is the best to use in mixing. Run the articles through a number 
of times and free from all lumps. The ingredients can be dried by 
placing them in an oven for a short time before mixing. 

Baking Powder No. 1. 


Pure cream of tartar.2 pounds. 

Pure bicarbonate of soda.1 pound. 

Corn starch...2 ounces. 


This is the best that can be made. One to two tea-spoonfuls to a 
quart of flour. 

Baking Powder No. 2. 

A cheaper powder, but superior to the majority of powders you will 
buy, is prepared as follows: 


Pure cream of tartar.2 pounds. 

Pure bicarbonate of soda. 2 pounds. 

Tartaric acid.6 ounces. 

Corn starch.1 pound. 

Best flour.4 pounds. 


Use two tea-spoonfuls to a quart of flower. Do not be afraid of the 
tartaric acid, as it is harmless. It is best to keep your baking powder 
in a well-stopped jar or bottle. Flour, terra alba, alum, and chalk are 
the chief ingredients used in the adulteration of cream of tartar. To 
determine the admixture of flour rub a few grains of iodine with one 
ounce of the suspected cream of tartar; if so adulterated a blue tint to 
the mixture will be produced; or by dissolving a small quantity in 
water you can prove its presence by the stickiness. Chalk may be de¬ 
termined by its effervescing on the addition of diluted acids; alum by 
dissolving in hot water and allowing the solution to chrystallize; terra 
alba and other clays by their insolubility in a hot solution of caustic 
potassa. 


Flavoring Extracts* 

The profits to manufacturers and dealers on these household necessi¬ 
ties are very large, and the prudent consumer will take advantage of the 
directions here given. Extracts of lemon and vanilla are most fre¬ 
quently used; nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, etc., are usually used dry by 
grating. 










AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


17 


Best Lemon Extract. 


Best deodorized alcohol.1 pint. 

Oil of lemon.1 ounce. 


Cut the peels of two lemons into fine pieces and add to the alcohol 
and oil of lemon. Let stand for a few days and filter through a felt bag 
or filtering paper. 

Extract of Yanilla. 

Extract of vanilla is prepared direct from the vanilla bean. Use 
care in the purchase of the beans, as there are several varieties. The 
Mexican vanilla beans have the finest flavor, and the longer the bean, as 
a rule, the better the extract. There are other excellent varieties of 
vanilla beans, but they have a somewhat ranker flavor than the Mexican. 
Unscrupulous jobbers and dealers have been known to soak the whole 
beans in spirits, practically stealing all their flavor, and then by drying 
them place them on the market. They can be detected by their light 
color and brittleness. Most of the vanilla extracts sold for flavoring 
purposes are adulterated with Tonka beans and other adulterants, 
some containing not a particle of vanilla. 

The following will make a splendid article, and you know what you 
are getting without paying high prices for weak extracts put up in de¬ 
ceptive little panel bottles. Dishonest manufacturers never yield a 
point in their efforts to defraud. Not content with the liberty they take 
with the contents they employ the bottle-makers’ art to deceive us in 


the quantity of the precious stuff: 

Yanilla beans. 1 ounce. 

Sugar... 1 ounce. 

Cologne spirits (deodorized alcohol).12 ounces. 

Water. 4 ounces. 


Slit the beans and cut them very fine, then mix them with sugar and 
bruise until moderately fine; then mix with spirits and water and put in 
a warm place; allow to stand for two weeks (longer the better) shaking 
every day, and when through filter. Manufacturers color with caramel 
or other coloring, but for home use this is-unnecessary. 

To Extract Essential Oils. 

To extract essential oils from wood, bark, herbs, etc., put a quantity 
of the herb or other article into a bottle or jar and pour in a small quan¬ 
tity of ether. Keep in a cool place several nours, and then fill the Dottle 
with cold water. The essential oil will rise to the surface, and may be 
easily separated. 


HoW to Make Jobber Staipps. 

The wording of the desired rubber stamp having been correctly set 
up in ordinary type, the same is locked up and placed upon a level sup¬ 
port. Around it is put an iron frame, which will determine the shape 
and size of the matrix. 

2 








18 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

By means of a soft brush the type as well as all surrounding parts 
that are to be covered by the plaster of Paris are well oiled. 

For the purpose of making the cast finely ground fresh plaster of Paris 
is needed; if of long standing, the same will lose its desirable proper¬ 
ties. This plaster of Paris, of which a sufficient quantity should at one 
time be mixed to the consistency of pap, using clear water, is poured 
over the frame containing the type in a thin layer, so as to barely cover 
it. With a stout brush the mixture is driven into all spaces and inter¬ 
stices, until all details are thoroughly covered. After this the remain¬ 
ing pap of plaster of Pans is added until the frame is full to overflow¬ 
ing. The surface is smoothed down after the plaster has settled some¬ 
what, and in a short while the matrix in the frame may be removed from 
the type. 

After this it becomes necessary to bake the matrix in an oven for a 
peiiod of from four to six hours. When thoroughly baked the matrix 
should be well brushed with a thin solution of shellac to impart a 
smooth surface, and at the same time greater strength, 

The matrix at this stage represents a yellowish-white block, in which 
the lettering appears indented, but in proper place. The indentation 
corresponds to the height of the letter upon the piece of type or the 
marks upon a cut, while the remaining parts should be perfectly smooth 
and free from holes. This matrix, obtained by a coating from the type 
or cut, will serve as the mould for the final rubber stamp. 

Pieces of caoutchouc are cut to the required size and laid upon the 
matrix. If pressure is now exerted the soft mass will adjust itself to fill 
all the spaces and reproduce the mould invertedly. Indentations be¬ 
come raised matter, and the whole will show as did primarily the type. 

But as the caoutchouc has a tendency to return to its previous shape 
it becomes necessary to apply the process called vulcanizing. The ob¬ 
ject is to impart hardness to the rubber, and to prevent its losing the 
form into which it has been pressed. 

To accomplish this the caoutchouc must be heated to a temperature 
of from 120 to 130 deg. C. As the substance is ordinarily softened by heat 
it is necessary to take some means to prevent it from sticking to the 
mould. For the purpose soapstone will answer, and the mould, as well 
as the piece of caoutchouc, should be well brushed or dusted with this 
substance. 

The duration of the heating varies with the thickness of the rubber 
sheet. As a general thing from twenty to thirty minutes ought to be 
sufficient. It may be mentioned here that special apparatus can be 
purchased for pressing and vulcanizing. The proper vulcanization is 
of the greatest importance in determining the durability of the stamp. 

All that remains to complete the stamps is the mounting of the rub¬ 
ber plate upon a suitable base or handle. This is best done either with 
zinc or with a solution of caoutchouc m benzine. The surface of the 
handle, as well as the back part of the stamps, having been covered with 
such a solution and well pressed together, after drying the entire stamp 
will be ready for use.— Amer. Lith. and Printer . 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


19 


Verijliij Ext;erijiii}afcors* 


Phosphorus or Luminous Paste. 


This is an unequaled preparation for destroying rats, mice, cock¬ 
roaches, etc. It attracts them by its luminous appearance and also by 
its odor, which is very attractive to all vermin. They eat it with great 
avidity. 


Phosphorus.... 
Armenian bole. 

Arsenic. 

Oil of rhodium 

Tallow. 

Rye flour____ 

Water. 


i ounce. 

1 ounce. 

1 ounce, 
i drachm. 
10 ounces. 
12 ounces. 
12 ounces. 


Cook the flour and water to a thin paste; add the phosphorus—pre¬ 
viously melted in a little hot water—and mix; then add the rest and stir 
until thoroughly mixed. 

Other Methods of Destroying Rats.— (1) Mix some fine plaster 
of Paris with an equal quantity of flour; put the mixture in the place in¬ 
fested by the vermin and a vessel full of water beside it. The rats will 
devour the mixture and then drink, whereupon the plaster, brought into 
contact with the water, will become solid and like a stone in their 
stomachs, which will cause their deaths. (2) When a house is infested 
with rats which refuse to nibble at toasted cheese or the usual baits, a 
few drops of oil of rhodium poured on or near the bait will at¬ 
tract them while the most tempting baits fail. (3) Cover the floor near 
their holes and place into their haunts a quantity of caustic potash. 
This they lick with their tongues, which makes their mouths sore, and 
they not only shun this locality, but appear to tell all the neighboring 
rats about it. (4) Instead of using chloride of lime or potash a quantity 
of tar can be smeared in and around their haunts and they will disappear. 


Tar and rats do not agree. If a live rat be caught, smeared with tar, and 
allowed to escape into the holes he will do the smearing process thor¬ 


oughly. 


Roach and Moth Exterminator. 


Thymol..,. ; . 2 parts. 

Salicylic acid. 2 parts. 

Alcohol.200 parts. 

Oil of lemon. 1 part. 


This new, simple, and cheap preparation makes no stain and kills 
the vermin immediately. The odor is not unpleasant, and is quickly 
removed by airing the room. Use by sprinkling, or moistening blotting 
paper with the solution. 


Moth Powder. 


Lupulin. 

Scotch snuff.. 
Camphor gum 
Black pepper. 
Cedar sawdust 


1 drachm. 

2 ounces. 
1 ounce. 

1 ounce. 

4 ounces. 


Mix thoroughly and strew among the furs and woolens. 


















20 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Bedbug Poison. 


Corrosive sublimate (in powder).2 ounces. 

Alcohol.1 pint. 


Apply with a feather or stick into their hiding places. Label poison, 
and place all such compounds out of the reach of childen. 

Poison Fly Paper. 


White arsenic.1 ounce. 

Sugar. £ pound. 

Concentrated lye. £ ounce. 

Water.1 quart. 


Dissolve the concentrated lye in the water, add the sugar and boil the 
solution, meanwhile gradually adding the arsenic. While still warm 
dip porous paper (cut into small squares) in the solution and dry them. 
For use place in plates or saucers partly filled with water where the flies 
can get at them. 

Sticky Fly Paper. 


Rosin.8 ounces. 

Lard or cotton-seed oil.3 ounces. 


Boil together, spread thinly on manilla paper, place another sheet on 
top, and when wanted pull them apart and it is ready for use. This is 
now usually preferred to the poison paper, as the flies are caught and 
held and do not die and drop into food, etc. 

Mosquito and Fly Frightener. 

Petrolatum.1 ounce. 

Paraffine. £ ounce. 

Oil pennyroyal. £ ounce. 

Oil of tar.. : . £ ounce. 

Carbolic acid. 4 drachm. 

Melt the solid ingredients together, and when partly cooled add the 
other ingredients. This is an elegant preparation to rub on the hands 
and face where flies, mosquitos, gnats, etc., are troublesome. 


Late improvements in the manufacture of inks are due to the dis¬ 
covery and cheapening of substances which can be used in preparing 
them. While good common writing inks are quite easily procured in 
the market, still they can be manufactured much cheaper by the con¬ 
sumer; and then again there are a variety of special purposes which re¬ 
quire inks that are not on sale, and formulas for making them are very 
valuable. In this collection we give approved and tested formulas for 
everything in the ink line. 

Fine Black Ink. 

[from logwood.] 

A good black ink can be made by boiling 3 pounds of logwood with 
sufficient water to leave a residue ot 5 quarts. When cold add 3 drachms 
of yellow bichromate of potash and stir thoroughly. To prevent thick- 















AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


21 


ening add a few drops of solution of mercury salt. It flows freely from 
the pen, Its color at first is of a dark indigo-blue tint, changing soon 
into a permanent black. A beautiful gloss may be given to this or any 
other black ink by adding a strong solution of shellac and borax. 

Fine Black Ink. 

[fbom aniline.] 


Black aniline crystals (negrosine).. 11 ounces. 

Dextrine.1 ounce. 

Corrosive sublimate.5 grains. 

Water.2 quarts. 


Dissolve the negrosine in a quart of hot water; dissolve the corrosive 
sublimate and dextrine in the remaining quart, and pour all together. 
This is a splendid ink, flows freely from the pen, and will keep well. 

In making ink use care in buying the best anilines and other ingre¬ 
dients. This is important. 

Fine Red Ink. 


Eosine aniline.100 grains. 

Water.. 1 pint. 

Simply dissolve the aniline in the water. No better bright, fiery red 
ink can be made. 

Fine Violet Ink. 


Violet aniline.70 grains. 

Alcohol. i ounce. 

Dextrine. 1 ounce. 

Hot water. 1 pint. 

Dissolve the aniline in the alcohol and the dextrine in the hot water, 


and mix them. 


Fine Blue Ink. 


Water blue aniline.1 drachm. 

Dextrine. * ounce. 

Hot water.1 pint. 


One-fourth of an ounce of Prussian blue may be used instead of the 


water blue aniline. 


Fine Green Ink. 


Green aniline.1 drachm. 

Dextrine. * ounce. 

Hot water..1 pint. 

Aniline inks of any color can be made in a similar manner. Simply 
get the desired color of aniline. Maroon ink may be made by mixing 
equal quantities of black, blue, and red inks; yellow by adding li 
drachms of picric acid to 1 pint of hot water. 


Copying Ink. 

Take 1 pint of the violet-black ink and add 1 ounce each of sugar 
and gum Arabic. This is for what is called moist copying where a 
press is used. For what is termed dry copying mix about i pint of 
glycerine to a pint of any good black ink. The manuscript, if written 
on glazed paper, will not dry for hours, and will yield one or two fair, 
neat, dry copies by simple pressure of the hand. The writing should 
not be excessively fine nor the strokes uneven or heavy. The copies and 
the original are neater than when water is used. 


















22 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


GafTard’s Indestructible Ink. 


Lampblack. 1 part. 

Potash water glass...12 parts. 

Atpia ammonia. 1 part. 

Distilled water.38 parts. 


The potash water glass should be of the consistency of syrup. 


Hektograph Ink. 

(see page 1.) 

A good purple ink to use on the gelatine copying pad, or hektograph, 
is prepared as follows: 

Methyl violet.. 1 ounce. 

Water. 8 ounces. 

Glycerine... 1 ounce. 

Alcohol. i ounce. 

Dissolve the methyl-violet in the water and add the glycerine. Gently 
warm the solution for an hour, and after cooling add the alcohol. 

When black hektograph ink is desired, instead of the methyi-violet 
use double the amount of negrosine. 


White Ink. 

An excellent white ink, which can be used with a pen for writing on 
colored cards or paper, may be made as follows: 

Flake white.12 drachms. 

Mucilage of gum Arabic. 6 drachms. 

If too thick add water; if too thin, more mucilage. Shake well while 
using. 

Rubber-Stamp Ink. 

Aniline (desired color). i ounce. 

Glycerine.2 ounces. 


Ribbon Ink. 


FOR TYPE-WRITERS, DATING STAMPS, ETO. 


Aniline... 
Alcohol.. 
Glycerine 
Water.... 


$ ounce. 
4 ounces. 
7 ounces. 
4 ounces. 


Dissolve the aniline in the alcohol and add the other ingredients. 


Marking Ink. 

FOR PACKAGES AND BOXES. 


Extract of Logwood.8 ounces. 

Bichromate of potash.1 ounce. 

Hydrochloric acid. i ounce. 

Dextrine.4 ounces. 

Water. i gallon. 


Boil the logwood with the water, add the acid and potash, and lastly 
the dextrine. 


Indelible Ink. 


FOR MARKING LINEN, ETO. 

Dissolve 5 parts of lunar caustic in 10 parts of spirit of sal ammoniac. 
Add to the solution 7 parts of pure soda, 5 of gum Arabic, and 12 of 
water. 























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


23 


Ink for Writing on Metals. 

VALUABLE IN MARKING TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS. 

Muriatic acid.1 ounce. 

Nitric acid. £ ounce. 

Cover the portion of metal you wish to write upon with melted bees¬ 
wax and allow it to cool. Write the inscription plainly with any sharp- 
pointed instrument through the beeswax to the metal. Apply the acids 
with a feather or rag, carefully filling each letter, and let it remain from 
one to thirty minutes, according to the desired depth of the lettering, 
after wnich wash off the beeswax and acids and rub over with a little 
6weet oil to prevent further rust or tarnish. 

Ink Powders. 

As in the case of fluid inks there are many formulas for preparing 
ink powders. The following are the best: 

Black.— Nut-galls, 1 ounce; copperas, 1 ounce; gum Arabic, 7 ounces. 
Add one clove to to this quantity. Or, take negrosine, 1 ounce; dex¬ 
trine, 3 ounces; mix. 

Blue.—W ater blue aniline, 1 ounce; dextrine, 5 ounces. Or, soluble 
Prussian blue, i ounce; dextrine, 1 ounce. 

Green.—A niline green, 44 parts; gelatine, 4 parts, and lunar caustic, 
2 parts. Or, green aniline, 1 part; dextrine, 4 parts. 

Bed.—E osine aniline, 1 ounce; dextrine, 1 ounce. 

A tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful of the powder is dissolved in 1 
pint of water, requiring from 1 to 1 hour to make the solution. 

Disappearing Ink. 

Boil some nut-galls in aqua fortis, and add to the infusion some gum 
Arabic and a little sulphuric acid. When written on paper this ink is 
perfectly legible, but will disappear from the paper in a few days. 

Invisible Ink. 

Invisible inks are those which when first written are not visible, but 
upon the application of heat or other means the characters are made to 
appear distinctly. The following are decidedly the best preparations 
for this purpose: 

Oil of vitriol.1 fluid ounce. 

Soft water.1 pint. 

This makes a fluid which is perfectly invisible until heat is applied 
by holding over a lamp or by placing ‘in an oven, when it changes to a 
permanent blacK. Write with a clean steel pen. All invisible inks 
will show on glazed paper, therefore unglased paper should be used. 

Another singular invisible ink is made as follows: Oxide of cobalt, 
£ ounce; muriatic acid, sufficient to dissolve it; water, 4 ounces; muci¬ 
lage of gum acacia, 1 drachm. Place in a stained bottle. Characters 
written with this solution are invisible, but on the application of heat 
they instantly appear in blue. On cooling they again become in¬ 
visible. 






24 SECKETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

Ink Erasing Fluid. 


Hydrochloric acid. i ounce. 

Water.1 pint. 

Mix, bottle, and label No. 1. 

Solution of chlorinated soda. I pint. 

Water.. 1 pint. 


Mix, bottle, and label No. 2. 

To erase ink dip the end of a penholder or pencil in No. 1 and apply 
to the writing, and do the same with No. 2. Let remain a moment and 
blot off with clean blotting-paper. If the characters are not erased re¬ 
peat as before. 


Geijieijls ai?d Gllie* 

Armenian Glue. 

The jewellers of Turkey, who are mostly Armenians, have a singular 
method of ornamenting watch cases, etc., with diamonds and other 
precious stones by simply gluing or cementing them on. The stone is 
set in gold or silver and the lower part of the metal made flat, or to cor¬ 
respond to that part to which it is to be fixed. It is then warmed 
gently and the glue applied, which is so very strong that the parts thus 
cemented never separate. For this glue, which will firmly unite bits of 
glass and even polished steel, and whicn may of course be applied to 
a vast variety of useful purposes, large number of formulas have been 
published. The following is the original recipe. Dissolve 5 or 6 bits of 
gum mastic, each the size of a large pea, in as much alcohol as will 
suffice to render them liquid; in another vessel dissolve as much isin¬ 
glass, previously softened a little in water (though none of the water 
must be used), in good brandy or rum as will make a two-ounce vial of 
very strong glue, adding two small bits of galbanum or ammoniacum, 
which must be rubbed or ground until they are dissolved. Then mix 
the whole with a sufficient heat. Keep the glue in a vial closely corked, 
and when it is to be used set the vial in boiling water. To avoid crack¬ 
ing the vial by exposure to such sudden heat use a thin green glass vial 
and hold it in the steam for a few seconds before immersing it in the 
hot water.— Workshop Receipts. 

Glutina Cement. 

FOR GLASS, CHINA, WOOD, LEATHER, ETC. 


Gelatine (Cooper’s or Cox’s).3 ounces. 

Acetic acid. 2 ounces. 

Carbolic acid.5 grains. 

Oil of cloves.6 minims. 

Water enough to make.1 pint. 


Soak the gelatine in half a pint of water for four hours. Place in a 
bottle and heat in a water bath; add the acids, dissolve, add the oil of 
cloves and sufficient hot water to make a pint, and strain. 











AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


25 


To Cement Iron to Iron. 


Powdered cast-iron bore chips.60 parts. 

Sal-ammoniac. 2 parts. 

Flowers of sulphur. 1 part. 


Mix, and stir the mixture into a stiff paste by adding water. Use 
while fresh. 

Cementing Metal to Glass, Stone, Etc. 

For attaching metal plates, such as metal letters, etc., to flat sheets 
of glass or windows, the following is excellent: 


Copal varnish.15 parts. 

Drying oil. 5 parts. 

Turpentine. 3 parts. 


Melt in a water bath, and add 10 parts of slaked lime. The cement 
commonly used for fastening the tops on kerosene lamps is plaster of 
Paris, which is porous, quickly penetrated by the kerosene, and readily 
destroyed. A cement which does not have this defect is made by boil¬ 
ing 3 parts of resin and 1 of caustic soda in 5 of water. This composi¬ 
tion forms a soap, which mix with half its weight of plaster of Paris. 
Use while fresh. 


Pastes. 

Paste for Wall-paper, Etc. 

Dissolve i ounce of salicylic acid in half a gallon of warm water, and 
when cold stir in as much flour as will bring it to the consistency of 
cream, being particular to break up all the lumps; next place it on the 
fire and allow it to cook gently for a few minutes, stirring well mean¬ 
while. This paste answers a variety of purposes. The salicylic acid is 
to keep it from spoiling. The addition of 1 ounce of powdered colo- 
cynth to the above amount will effectually banish all insects and worms 
from the walls where the paper is pasted. 

Paste for Labeling on Tin. 

Ordinary pastes will not adhere labels to tin. The following is a 
good one: Make a paste of gum tragacanth and add a little oil of winter- 
green. Apply by removing the film of grease from the tin by a solution 
of caustic soda (10 parts of water to 1 of soda). Apply with a rag to the 
spot on which you wish to affix the label. 

Paste to Fasten Cloth or Leather on Wooden Surfaces. 


Wheat flour.21 pounds 

Resin (powdered). 1 ounce. 

Salicylic acid. i ounce. 


Rub together till a uniform paste is formed, transfer to a small ket¬ 
tle over a fire, heat, and stir until the lumps are all dissolved and the 
paste becomes stiff; tranfer to another vessel and cover up. This paste 
is applied in a thin layer to the surface of the table or desk to be 
covered, the cloth or leather is then laid on and smoothed with a roller. 
If leather is to be fastened on it must be first dampened. 













26 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS) 


Whitewash aijci Paints. 

Brilliant Stucco Whitewash. 

This is a time-tried whitewash, either for inside or outside work, and 
has been known to retain its brilliancy for over thirty years. Nice un¬ 
slaked lime, l A bushel; slake it with boiling water; cover it during the 
process to keep in the steam. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or 
strainer, and add to it X A bushel of salt, previously well dissolved in 
water; rice, 3 pounds—boiled to a thin paste and stirred in boiling hot; 
Spanish whiting, X A pound; best glue, 1 pound, which has been pre¬ 
viously dissolved by soaking it well, and then hanging it over a slow fire 
in a small kettle immersed in a larger one filled with water. Now add 
hot water, 5 gallons, to the mixture, stir well, and let it stand a few days 
covered from the dirt. It should be put on hot. For this purpose it is 
best to keep it in a kettle on a portable furnace, or use other means 
more convenient. It answers as well as oil paint for brick or stone, and 
is much cheaper. 

Coloring matter, dissolved in alcohol, may be put in and made of any 
shade you like. Spanish brown stirred in will make red-pink, more or 
less deep, according to quantity. A delicate tinge of this is very pretty 
for inside walls. Finely pulverized common clay, well mixed with 
Spanish white, makes reddish stone color. Yellow ochre stirred in 
makes yellow wash, but chrome goes further, and makes a color gener¬ 
ally esteemed prettier. In all these cases the darkness of the shade is 
of course determined by the quantity of the coloring used. It is difficult 
to make rules, because tastes differ. It would be best to try experiments 
on a shingle, and let it dry. Green must not be mixed with lime. The 
lime destroys the color, and the color has an effect on the whitewash 
which makes it crack and peel. When inside walls have been badly 
smoked and you wish to make them a clean, clear white, it is well to 
squeeze indigo plentifully through a bag into the water you use before 
it is stirred into the whole mixture; or blue vitriol pulverized and dis¬ 
solved m boiling water and put into whitewash gives a beautiful blue 
tint. If a larger quantity than five gallons be wanted the same propor¬ 
tions should be observed. 

Durable Paint for Tin Roofs. 


Linseed oil.30 parts. 

Oil of turpentine.10 parts. 

Colcothar.14 parts. 

Red chalk.46 parts. 


The coloring substances are pulverized and the mixture ground. 
Should the mixture be too thick reduce it with equal parts of linseed 
oil and oil of turpentine. Give the roof two coats, allowing the first to 
dry before applying the second. See that the tin is free from rust, and 
the coats should not be laid on too thick nor too thin. 






AND GREAT PHYSICIANS 


27 


Paint for Roofs. 


Pulverized slate (argillaceous schist).35 parts. 

Pulverized mica slate (mica schist).30 parts. 

Pulverized rosin.35 parts. 


Mix, and add one-half its volume of pure coal-tar and boil to a fluid 
mass. 

This paint gives a very durable and pliant covering, which does not 
melt in the greatest heat of summer nor crack or break in the greatest 
cold. It resists moisture, and a roof painted with it need not be gone 
over again for four or five years. 

Paint for Blackboards. 

Common glue, 4 ounces; flour of emery, 3 ounces, and just lampblack 
enough to give an inky color to the preparation. Dissolve the glue in 
% quart of warm water, put in the lampblack and emery, stir till there 
are no lumps, then apply to the board with a woolen rag smoothly 
rolled. Three coats should be given. 

Removing Smell of Paint. 

Place a vessel of lighted charcoal in the room and place on it two or 
three handfuls of juniper berries; shut the windows, chimneys, and 
doors and twenty-four hours afterward the room may be opened, when 
it will be found that the sickly, unwholesome smell will be gone. An¬ 
other very simple method is to plunge a handful of hay into a pail of 
water and let it stand in the newly-painted room. 

Paint Remover. 

To remove dry paint or hard putty make a saturated solution of 
caustic of potassa with water. Apply to the paint with a swab. After 
a short time it will be easily removed. 


Sfcaiijiijg Wooi. 

Ebonizing Wood. 


Logwood chips.8 ounces. 

Copperas. 1 ounce. 

Lampblack... 1 ounce. 


Water, sufficient. 

Boil the logwood for 30 minutes in a gallon of water, and then add 
the copperas and lampblack. Apply to the wood hot, giving a number 
of coats. In varnishing ebonized wood a little drop black must be 
added to the varnish or it will give a brown shade. 

Staining Wood Rose Color. 

A brilliant and uniform rose color can be imparted to wood and veg¬ 
etable ivory by chemical precipitation, as follows: The first bath con¬ 
sists of 8 parts of potassium iodide to 100 parts of water. The second 
bath is prepared by mixing 21 parts of corrossve sublimate with 100 








28 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


parts of water. Immerse the wood for a few hours in the first bath, 
then place it in the second, in which it will acquire a beautiful rose 
color. Yarnish the wood after drying. Both baths can be repeatedly 
used without renewing them. 

Imitation of Cedar. 

Mix 2 parts by weight of catechu, 1 part of caustic soda, and 100 of 
water. The best wood to use is white wood, and after the article is 
finished it is boiled in the stain for several hours, rinsed, and dried. 
The length of time in boiling depends upon the depth of color desired. 
This is a very deep and natural stain. 

Hard Coating for Wood. 

To coat wood with a substance as hard as stone apply the following 
mixture while hot with a irush: 

Lime.40 parts. 

Resin.50 parts. 

Linseed oil.4 parts. 


Meta) ai)d Glass Secrets- 


Hardening Composition for Steel. 

Spermaceti oil.95 quarts. 

Melted tallow.20 pounds. 

Neat’s foot oil. 4i quarts. 

Pitch. 1 pound. 

Rosin. 3 pounds. 

Melt the rosin and pitch together, add the other ingredients, and 
heat all in an iron vessel until all moisture is driven out, and the heated 
mass ignites from a burning chip of wood held over it; the flame is at 
once extinguished by a close-fitting lid. 

In using the method for saw blades, they are first heated in a suitable 
furnace and then placed vertically, teeth upward, in troughs filled with 
the mixture. After sufficient cooling they are taken out and wiped with 
a piece of leather so that only a slight film of fat remains. They are 
then placed flat over a coal fire until the coating of fat ignites, which 
may burn as freely as required for great hardness. Screws, or other 
articles which require a less degree of hardness, are dipped into the hot 
mixture and brought to a white heat. 


Composition to Toughen Steel. 

Resin.2 pounds. 

Tallow...2 pounds. 

Black pitch.1 pound. 

Melt together and dip the steel in the mixture when hot. 


To Soften Iron or Steel. 

Anoint the article all over with tallow, temper it in a gentle charcoal 
fire, and let it cool itself; or take a little clay, cover your iron with it, 
and temper in a charcoal fire. 













AND GREAT PHYSICIANS, 


29 


Restoring Burnt Steel. 

It is not generally known that burnt steel may be almost instantane¬ 
ously restored by plunging it while hot in cold water and hammering it 
with light strokes on the anvil, turning it so as to hammer all over it, 
again dipping in the cold water, and repeating the hammering process 
as before. Try again if you do not succeed the first time. 

Welding Cast-Steel. 


Rock saltpeter. i pound. 

Oil vitriol... \ pound. 

Water.1 gallon. 


Dissolve the saltpeter in the vitriol and add it to the water. After 
scarfing the steel get it hot; and quench in the preparation. Then weld 
the same as a piece of iron, hammering it very quickly with light blows. 
It answers the purpose much better than borax. Cork it in a bottle and 


it will keep for years. 

Another: 

Borax.15 parts. 

Sal-ammoniac. 2 parts. 

Cyanide of potassium. 2 parts. 


Dissolve all in water, and evaporate the water at a low temperature. 

To Drill Hardened Steel. 

N Cover your steel with melted beeswax, and when cold make a hole in 
the wax with a fine-pointed needle or other article the size of the hole 
you require; put a drop of strong nitric acid upon it, and after an hoar 
rinse off and apply again. It will gradually eat through. 

To Drill Holes in Cast-Iron. 

By means of carbolic acid a hole 14 of an inch in diameter has been 
drilled through % inch thickness of cast-iron with a carpenter’s brace. 

To Solder Ferrules for Tool Handles. 

Take your ferrule, lap round the “joining” a small piece of brass 
wire, then wet the ferrule, scatter on the joining ground borax, put it 
on the end of a wire, and hold it in the fire till the brass fuses. It will 
fill up the joining and form a perfect solder. It may afterward be 
turned in the lathe. 

Soldering Without a Soldering Iron. 

Cut a piece of a tin-foil the size of the surface to be soldered, then 
pass over the surface a solution of sal-ammoniac, place the tin-foil be¬ 
tween the pieces, and heat over a lamp or fire until the foil melts. In¬ 
stead of the solution of sal-ammoniac equal parts of water and hydro¬ 
chloric acid saturated with zinc can be used just as well. 

To Clean Gun-barrels from Lead. 

Pour in a little mercury, agitate it over the interior surface of the 
barrel, and pour it out again. The mercury will amalgamate the lead 
and remove it. 








30 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


To Re-sliarpen Old Files. 

Saleratus.4 ounces. 

Water.1 quart. 

Dissolve the saleratus in the water. Boil the old files or rasps in this 
solution for half an hour. Then take out, wash, and dry them. Next 
stand them in a jar, filling it up with rain water and sulphuric acid in 
the proportion of water, 1 quart; sulphuric acid, 4 ounces. Coarse files 
should remain in the bath twelve hours and fine ones two or three hours 
less. Take them out, wash them clean, dry quickly and thoroughly, and 
rub them with sweet oil to prevent rusting. 

Another method, though not so effectual, is to pour a few drops of 
benzole upon the file and brush thoroughly with a scratch brush. 

Mending Tinware by Candle Heat. 

This is such a simple and cheap way of mending tinware that a per¬ 
son with just a bit of ingenuity can do his own work in this line. Take 
a vial aoout two-thirds full of muriatic acid and put into it little bits 
of sheet zinc as long as the acid will dissolve them. Then put in a 
crumb of sal-ammoniac and fill up with water and it is ready for use. 
Wet the cork in the vial and with it wet the edges of the place to be 
mended. Then put a piece of sheet zinc over the hole and hold a lighted 
candle or spirit lamp under the place, which melts the solder on the tin 
and causes the zinc to adhere without further trouble. Do not forget to 
wet the zinc also with the solution. 

A Good Way to Sharpen Razors. 

Put the razor blade for half an hour in water to which has been added 
one-twentieth of its weight of muriatic or sulphuric acid, and after a 
few hours “set” it on a hone. The acid acts as a whetstone by corrod¬ 
ing the whole surface uniformly. 

Razor-Strop Paste. 

Moisten flour of emery with tallow or sweet oil. 

Cutting Ovals and Different Shapes on Glass. 

Scratch the glass around the shape you desire with the corner of a file 
or graver; then having bent a piece of wire the same shape heat it red- 
hot and lay it upon the scratch, and sink the glass into cold water just 
deep enough for the water to come almost on a level with its upper sur¬ 
face. It rarely fails to break perfectly true. 

Etching on Glass. 


Barium sulphate.3 ounces. 

Ammonia fluoride.1 ounce. 


Acid sulphuric, a sufficient quantity to decompose the ammonia 
fluoride and maxing the mixture of a semi-fluid consistency. It must 
be prepared in a leaden vessel. It can be used with a common pen, but 
must be kept in bottles coated inside with paraffine, beeswax, or gutta¬ 
percha, with rubber stoppers. 






AND GEEAT PHYSICIANS. 


31 


To Drill and Ornament Glass. 

Any hard steel tool will cut glass with great facility when kept freely 
wet with camphor dissolved in turpentine. A drill-bow may be used, 
or even the hand alone. A hole bored may be readily enlarged by a 
round file. The ragged edges of glass vessels may also be thus easily 
smoothed by a flat file. Flat window glass can readily be sawed by a 
watch-spring saw by aid of this solution. In short, the most brittle 
glass can be wrought almost as easily as brass by the use of cutting- 
tools kept constantly moist with camphorized oil of turpentine. 


Plafciijg Without a Paliery- 

Silver-Plating Solution. 


Nitrate of silver (crystals). i ounce. 

Cyanuret potassa. . . \ ounce. 

Prepared Spanish whiting.1 ounce. 

Pure rain water... 2i ounces. 


Mix all together in a glass vessel, and it is ready for use. Thoroughly 
clean the article from all grease and dirt (see polishing preparations, 
page 12), and apply with a soft rag or brush and polish with a chamois 
skin. ' 


Silvering Powder. 


Chloride of silver.1 ounce. 

Pearlash.3 ounces. 

Common salt.li ounces. 

Whiting..1 ounce. 


Powder and mix the articles thoroughly. This is excellent in silver¬ 
ing brass and copper articles. Clean the surface of the article, as in 
the preceding preparation, and apply the mixture by rubbing on with a 
cork or piece of soft leather moistened with water and dipped in the 
powder. Afterward the metal should be well washed in hot water and 
wiped dry. 

Gold-Plating Solution. 


Gold amalgam. i ounce. 

Nitro muriatic acid.1 ounce. 

Alcohol.2 ounces. 


Dissolve the amalgam in the acid and then add the alcohol. Thor¬ 
oughly clean the article to be plated and apply the solution with a soft 
brush. Rinse and dry in sawdust or with tissue paper and polish with 
chamois skin. 


Nickeling Iron Without Electricity. 

To a solution of chloride of zinc 5 or 10 per cent strong add enough 
nickel salt to give the usual color of nickel bath. Cleanse the articles 
and put them in the solution for from 1 to 1 hour. 













32 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS) 


Got (I ai)d Silver I iftiiafcioijs. 

Imitation Gold. 

An American has discovered a beautiful alloy, which has been most 
successfully applied as a substitute for gold. It is composed of pure 
copper, 100 parts; pure tin, 17 parts; magnesia, 6 parts; tartar of com¬ 
merce, 9 parts; sal-ammoniac, 3.6 parts, and quicklime, 1.6 parts. The 
copper is first melted, then the lime, magnesia, sal-ammoniac, and tar¬ 
tar are added, little at a time, and the whole is briskly stirred for about 
half an hour, so as to mix thoroughly, after which the tin is thrown on 
the surface in small grains, stirring until entirely fused. The crucible 
is now covered and the fusion kept up for about thirty-five minutes, 
when the dross is skimmed off, and the alloy found ready for use. It is 
quite maleable and ductile, and may be drawn, stamped, chased, beaten 
into powder, or into leaves, like gold leaf, in all of which conditions it 
is not distinguishable from gold even by good judges, except by its in¬ 
ferior weight. 

Imitation Silver. 

Combine by fusion 1 part pure copper, 24 parts block tin, 11 parts 
pure antimony, i part pure bismuth, and 2 parts clear glass. The glass 
may be omitted save in cases where it is an object to have the metal 
sonorous. 


Care of Teeth, Molifch, ai)d Preath. 

The teeth, through negligence and ignorance, receive less attention 
among the majority of people than any other subject of a personal char¬ 
acter. The care of children’s teeth is very important, and if parents do 
not post themselves in the matter frequent visits to a skilled dentist 
should in their case be imperatively enforced, as well as upon the older 
members of the family. 

The first teeth of the infant are called the diciduous or milk teeth, 
and are twenty in number—ten in each jaw. These twenty teeth are as 
follows: Eight incisors, four in each jaw—the four being composed of 
two central and two lateral incisors—also four canine or cuspid teeth, 
two in each jaw, and eight molars, four in each jaw—the molars being 
called first and second molars, indicating their relative positions as 
well as the periods of their eruption (commonly called cutting). It is 
generally recognized among physicians that all diseases of children are 
more difficult to treat during dentition than before or after. It is well 
enough for parents to recognize this fact in administering medicines to 
their children. Although the time of eruptions of the teeth differ with 
different persons, yet the following table gives a close approxima¬ 
tion: 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


33 


ERUPTION OF THE TEETH. 


Deciduous Teeth. 

(The lower generally precede the 
upper by two or three months.) 

Central incisors.... 5 to 8 months 
Lateral incisors.... 7 to 10 months 

First molars.12 to 16 months 

Canines.15 to 20 months 

Second molars.20 to 36 months 


Permanent Teeth. 

First molars. 5 to 6 years 

Central incisors. 6 to 8 years 

Lateral incisors. 7 to 9 years 

First bicuspids. 9 to 10 years 

Second bicuspids.10 to 11 years 

Canines...11 to 12 years 

Second molars.12 to 14 years 

Third molars.17 to 21 years 


It would be difficult indeed to condense in so short a space so much 
practical information from a reliable source as has been given in the 
following prize essay on the teeth, which was awarded by the Dental 
Society of Philadelphia: 

1st. Cleanse your teeth once, or oftener, every day. Rinse the mouth 
after eating. Cleansing the teeth consists in removing every particle of 
foreign matter from around the teeth and gums. 

2d. To cleanse use well-made brushes, soft quill, or wood toothpicks, 
an antacid styptic tooth wash, and precipitated chalk. If these means 
fail apply to a regular dentist. 

3d. Avoid eating hot food. Thoroughly masticate the food, and well 
salivate it before swallowing. 

4th. Parents ought to carefully attend to the child’s second dentition. 
Prevail upon your children to visit, at frequent intervals, a careful 
and skillful operator. 

5th. Remember that four ot the permanent double teeth come in at 
the age of six years. They are very liable to decay early, are very large, 
and should never be allowed to require extracting. 

6th. Never allow any one to extract a tooth or dissuade you from 
having them filled unless absolutely necessary. 

7th. Carelessness and proscrastination are responsible for a large 
proportion of teeth that are lost. 

The teeth were never intended to take the place of nut-crackers nor 
to rival scissors in cutting thread. The teeth must be taken care of or 
your health will suffer. 

Remember, a clean tooth would not decay in a hundred years. 


Best Tooth Powder. 

Precipitated chalk.4 ounces. 

Powdered cuttle-bone.2 ounces. 

Powdered orris root.II ounces. 

Powdered borax. I ounce. 

Oil of cloves.5 minims. 

Oil of wintergreen.2 fluid drachms. 

Mix the powder thoroughly, and with a small portion add the oils 
and mix them until in the form of a moist powder. Then add the rest 
of the mixed powders gradually until all are evenly distributed through¬ 
out. A solution of carmine can be added in with the oils, which will 
color it as desired. 

Some prefer a preparation in the form of a paste, as follows: 

3 




















34 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN,, CHEMISTS, 


Cherry Tooth Paste. 


Precipitated chalk.4 ounces. 

Powdered areca nut. 1 ounce. 

Powdered quiliaya bark (or soap root). 1 ounce. 

Powdered cuttle-bone. 1 ounce. 

Powdered borax. i ounce. 

Powdered orris root.4 ounces. 

Tincture of myrrh. v ounce. 

Oils of nutmeg, cloves, and bitter almonds, 

each.•... 15 minims. 

Oil of rose. 5 minims. 


Honey, glycerine, and mucilage acacia equal quantities of each 
sufficient to make into a paste of the desired consistence. First mix 
the powders and color with carmine, and then add the other ingredients 
and thoroughly mix. 

Mouth washes are a valuable addition to the toilet as they assist to 
harden and heal the gums, cleanse the mouth and purify the breath. 

Antiseptic Tooth Wash. 


Salicylic acid.*. 12 parts. 

Alcohol (95 per cent).315 parts. 

Distilled water. 60 parts. 

Oil of wintergreen. 15 parts. 

Essence of orange flowers. 15 parts. 


Color with tincture of cochineal. A few drops of carbolic acid may 
be added to the above in the case of decayed teeth and foul breath. 

When the breath is very offensive the following should be taken in 
addition to rinsing the mouth with the mouth wash: 

Solution for the Breath. 

Solution chloride soda.1 ounce. 

Liquor potassa.1 ounce. 

Phosphate soda.'.. 1 ounce. 

Water.8 ounces. 

Mix and take one-half tea-spoonful in water after each meal. 

When the services of a dentist are not at hand and the teeth are badly 
decayed and aching, the following mouth wash is recommended. It is 
used by holding a tea-spoonful in the mouth as long as possible and 


spitting out: 

Spanish camomile root.41 drachms. 

Sal-ammoniac.21 drachms. 

Vinegar and lavender water, each.21 fluid ounces. 


Cut the camomile in pieces and rub fine with the sal-ammoniac; add 
the lavender water and vinegar by placing all in a glass flask and let it 
digest for twelve hours and filter. 

The following preparation is one of the best for relieving toothache 
until a dentist can be consulted: 

Toothache Drops. 


Chloral hydrate.1 drachm. 

Camphor. 1 drachm. 

Morphia sulphate.2 drachms. 

Oil peppermint.2 drachms. 


Rub the solids in a mortar until they liquefy, then add the oil of 
peppermint. Apply on cotton. 




























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS, 


35 


E{ei)ioVal of Freckles^ Moles, Eke. 

The following practical treatise on this much-abused subject is 
copied from the B. & C. Druggist , and although originally written in the 
interests of druggists it is of more value to persons affected with these 
blemishes; hence we reproduce the essay in its entirety with the form¬ 
ulas stripped of their technical terms and phrases: 

At this time of the year there are few questions which are more fre¬ 
quently addressed to the “family chemist,” and fewer still to which he 
ordinarily gives so unsatisfactory a reply, as, “What shall I do to cure 
my freckles?” 

Knowing as we do how greatly the popularity— i. e., the business 
prosperity—of the majority of our friends depends upon the votes and 
interest of their lady customers, we have been at some pains to lay be¬ 
fore them such an amount of practical information upon the above sub¬ 
ject as will enable them to retain the good will and material gratitude 
of their fair interrogators on the one hand, and to put a little extra 
profit in their own pockets on the other. 

We do not propose to convert these pages into an elaborate treatise 
upon the skin; but for the benefit of those who are only just commenc¬ 
ing cusiness it will, perhaps, be as well to make a few observations 
which our more experienced friends may consider of the “leather and 
prunella” order. In the first place it will be generally admitted that 
upon the subject of our present notes there is no published information 
of a practical and reliable character, and that medical writers and prac¬ 
titioners either shun the question altogether or approach it in a per¬ 
functory manner, and leave it very much where they found it. For our 
present purpose the cutaneous discoloration commonly designated by 
the term “freckles” may be considered under two heads—the so-called 
“summer” or temporary variety ( ephelis ), and the permanent kind 
{lentigo). Both are commonly stated to be simply morbid alterations of 
the skin-pigment, and to be situated solely in the rete mucosum , but 
this is not absolutely true, inasmuch as ephelis , properly so called, is 
generally due to a darkening of the under surface of the epidermis either 
in small ovoid patches (“summer freckles”) or extended over a large 
surface (“tan” or “sunburn”), while with lentigo the brownish discolor¬ 
ations are at a greater depth, and remain in situ after the covering epi¬ 
dermis has been completely removed. Strong sunshine, or any power¬ 
fully actinic light, and radiant heat from any source are apt to produce 
the first named, and to enhance the latter form of the skin’s chroma- 
togenous function, the manifestations of which vary greatly according 
to individual idiosyncrasies. 

Similarly the treatment which answers best for some persons is not 
so efficacious in other cases, but the old, old adage that “prevention is 
better than cure” applies here with considerable force, and as regards 
the rationale of remedial applications, it may be said in general terms 
that the application, in the right place, of active reducing, or deoxidiz- 


36 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

ing, agents is as a rule successful in removing ephelis altogether, and in 
greatly toning down the shade of lentigo. Commencing with the mildest 
form we will give a good formula for a 

SUNBURN LOTION. 


Citric acid. 1 drachm. 

Sulphate of iron (pure).18 grains. 

Elder-flowder water. 3 ounces. 


Camphor, sufficient quantity. 

The sulphate of iron must be in clear green crystals, unless the 
“granulated” form, which is preferable, be available, and in either case 
the salt should be fresh and free from oxidized portions, or “rustiness;” 
it should be dissolved in half the elder-flower water (ail of which is 
better, if not quite recently distilled, for being quickly raised to the 
boiling point and cooled out of contact of air before use), the citric 
acid being also in solution in the other half, and the two fluids mixed, 
filtered if necessary, and bottled immediately, a lump of camphor about 
the size of small peppercorn to be added to the contents of each bottle, 

WASH FOR THE SKIN. 


Hydokinine.48 grams. 

Glacial phosphoric acid.30 grains. 

Glycerine.2 drachms. 

Distilled water.6 ounces. 

Mix. 


The two lotions are stated to give excellent results, especially the 
latter. They are to be applied to the skin of the face, etc., in the usual 
way, at least twice in the course of twenty-four hours, after it has been 
washed and dried carefully. If the sitin be cf the nature known as 
“greasy,” a preliminary wash with tepid water containing a few drops 
of stronger water of ammonia is advisable. 

ALBADERMINE. 

Under this empirical title a process of removing “tan” and the 
milder variety of “freckles,” a foreign surgeon has devised the follow¬ 
ing: 


SOLUTION A. 


Iodide potassa.2 drachms. 

Pure iodine.6 grains. 

Glycerine.3 drachms. 

Infusion of rose leaves.4 ounces. 


Dissolve the iodide of potassium in a small quantity of the infusion 
and a draahm of the glycerine; with this fluid moisten the iodine in a 
glass mortar and rub it down, gradually adding more liquid until com¬ 
plete solution has been obtained; then stir in the remainder of the in¬ 
gredients, and bottle the mixture. 

SOLUTION B. 


Hyposulphate of soda.11 ounce. 

Rose water.1 pint. 

Dissolve and filter. 


With a small camel’s hair pencil or piece of fine sponge apply a little 















AND GKEAT PHYSICIANS. 


37 


of “Albadermine A” to the tanned or freckled surface, until a slight but 
tolerably uniform brownish-yellow skin has been produced. At the 
expiration of fifteen or twenty minutes moisten a piece of cambric, lint, 
or soft rag with “B” and lay it upon the affected part, removing, squeez¬ 
ing away the liquid, soaking it afresh, and again applying until the 
iodine stain has disappeared. Repeat the entire process thrice daily, 
but diminish the frequency of the application if tenderness be pro¬ 
duced. In the course of from three or four days to as many weeks the 
freckles will either have disappeared entirely or their intensity will be 
very greatly diminished. “Summer freckles” yield very speedily to this 
treatment. 

ANTI-FRECKLE LOTION. 


Corrosive sublimate.12 grains. 

Hydrochloric acid (pure). 3 drachms. 

Kernels of bitter almonds. II ounces. 

Glycerine.1 ounce. 

Tincture benzoin. 2 drachms. 


Orange-flower water, sufficient quantity. 

Dissolve the corrosive sublimate in three ounces of the orange-flower 
water, add the hydrochloric acid, and set aside. Blanch the bitter 
almonds and bruise them in a Wedgwood mortar, adding thereto the 
glycerine and using the pestle vigorously; a smooth paste is thus ob¬ 
tained. Then add gradually about nine ounces of the orange-flower 
water, stirring constantly, continuing this operation until a fine, creamy 
emulsion is the result. Subject this to violent agitation—preferably 
with the aid of a mechanical egg wtiisk—and allow the tincture of ben¬ 
zoin to fall into it t'he while drop by drop. Then add the mercurial 
solution, filter, and make up the whole to the measure of one imperial 
pint (20 ounces) with more orange-flower water. 

This preparation is recommended to us by an eminent dermatologist 
as being invariably efficacious in the treatment of eplielis , and always 
greatly ameliorating lentigo , even if it does not entirely decolorize the 
patches in the latter case. A general whitening of the skin is produced 
by this lotion without any irritation. It is as well, however, not to 
apply it to any abraded surfaces. It has been found far superior in 
practice to a preparation—which it somewhat resembles—sold at a high 
price in Paris under the name of Lait Antiphelique . 

BISMUTH OINTMENT FOR FRECKLES. 

Subnitrate of bismuth....3 drachms. 

Simple ointment.2 ounces. 

Apply to the face, etc., at night, and remove in the morning with a 
little cold cream previous to washing. This is from a private American 
source. 

COPPER OLEATE FOR FRECKLES, ETC. 

This is a much more effective and reliable ointment for the purpose 
than the preceding, which is really only suited for the milder form of 
sunburn, while the oleate of copper will remove the more persistent 
and obstinate lentigo. It is thus prepared • 









38 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Oleate of copper.1 ounce. 

Petrolatum...3 ounces. 

Mix. 


This is to be applied in the same manner as the preceding, washing 
the the surface of the skin, however (after the cold cream), about every 
third morning, with a little weak ammonia water, in order to prevent 
any inadvertent accumulation of copper. 

Several of the preceding are well adapted for the treatment of very 
dark-colored and deep-seated examples of lentigo , of whicn, however, 
some seem capable of resisting all treatment of this kind. The only 
method of reaching these is by the complete removal of the epidermis 
of the part and of the upper portion of the cutis also. A Turkish bath 
is often useful as a preliminary for an effort of this kind, which, of 
course, needs the application or some disorganizing substance. Per¬ 
manganate of potassium answers in this direction, but we find that a 
moderately strong solution of Mr. H. B. Condy’s new disinfectant— 
permanganate of aluminum—is undoubtedly the best of the two for this 
purpose. It should be applied several times until the skin has acquired 
a uniform brown tint. At from one to twelve hours after this is noticed 
it should be removed by a warm and dilute solution (about 8 or 10 per 
cent) of hydrochloric acid, to which a little glycerine may be added to 
prevent too rapid drying. Still better, however, is nitric acid, which if 
“painted” upon a colored spot of this kind first renders it more dis¬ 
tinctly yellow, then orange-brown. In a day or two this becomes a 
deeper brown, and more or less disorganized, cracking, either round 
the edge, or right across the center, so that it can be readily peeled away. 
Freckles removed in this manner seldom crop up again, in that partic¬ 
ular place, at all events. In this connection it is a somewhat curious 
fact that whereas dilute nitric acid often caused soreness and irritation 
when applied in this manner, a stronger acid does nothing of the kind, 
but quietly and quickly “deadens” that portion of the outer covering it 
has been applied to, so that in a day or two it can be removed quite 
painlessly. What is known as “French nitric acid,” of from 1.330 to 
1.350 specific gravity, is very appropriate for this purpose. 

COCAINE AND NITRIC ACID FOR MOLES, ETC. 

The removal of either deep-seated freckles or moles is, as before 
hinted, not always an easy task, but nitric acid is perhaps about as good 
an agent for the purpose as any other. The mole should be surrounded 
by a little “cell” or ring of wax, so that the acid can be applied direct 
without fear of disorganizing the adjacent skin. As, however, nitric 
acid by itself sometimes occasions a good deal of smarting, etc., when 
applied, it is better to avoid this by mixing cocaine with it. The mix¬ 
ture given below answers the purpose very well indeed: 

Nitric acid.,.1 drachm. 

Cocaine.6 grains. 

This should be kept ready for use in a small bottle with a good-fitting 
stopper. The end of a glass rod dipped in and then cautiously applied 
to the surface of the mole or freckle, the process being repeated once or 






AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 39 

twice a day, and the unsightly spot has its vitality destroyed without 
pain, being then easily and effectually removed. 


Preparation for J£ed looses. 

This formula was procured from a friend of the author residing at 
Little Rock, Ark. I can vouch for its efficacy in his case, as it removed 
the unnatural color in a few days, and he told me that others had tried 
it with equally gratifying results. It is translated from a formula of a 
young physician, a graduate of Jefferson Medical College: 


Oxide of zinc. i ounce. 

Corrosive sublimate.2 grains. 

Sulphur (precip.). bounce. 

Glycerine. 1 ounce. 

Calamine.3 drachms. 


Rose water, sufficient to make 8 ounces. 

Mix and apply with a small, soft sponge. The medical works say 
little about the red nose. The cause is usually attributed to drinking, 
but gluttony, tight lacing, nasal catarrh, chronic enlargement of the 
tonsils, exposure to strong sunlight, etc., all contribute to a reddening 
of the nasal organ. 


Other Toilet Preparations* 

The following formula, prescribed by the late Dr. Tilbury Fox, is a 
very soothing application, and is a great favorite with ladies who have 
flushed faces: 

Calamine Face Lotion. 


Levigated calamine.120 grains. 

Oxide of zinc. 60 grains. 

Glycerine. 60 drops. 


Rose water, sufficient to make 3 ounces. 

Be sure and get the white calamine, and not the red. Apply with a 
small, soft sponge and allow to dry on, the excess of powder being 
lightly dusted off with a soft cloth. 

Lotion for Chapped Hands, Face, and Lips. 


Glycerine.3 drachms. 

Strained honey.1 drachm. 

‘ Cologne.1 drachm. 

Oil of bitter almonds.3 drops. 

Alcohol.4 ounces. 

Water.II ounces. 


Mix and apply with a soft sponge while the skin is damp, and wipe 
dry with a towel. This is the best preparation of its class. 

Lip Salve. 

For healing and softening the lips, preventing them from cracking, 
etc., the following is an elegant preparation: 
















40 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Petrolatum.2 ounces. 

White wax, or paraffine. 1 ounce. 

Tannin... i drachm. 

Oils of lavender and bergamot, each,. £ drachm. 

Oil of rose geranium. i drachm. 


Melt the petrolatum and wax together and add the tannin while 
cooling; add the oils and stir until cold. When it is desired to color 
the lips add 20 grains of carmine. This is done by reducing the carmine 
to a fine powder in a mortar and rub with a small portion of the salve 
until it is thoroughly incorporated, and then mix the remainder gradu¬ 
ally. 


Pimple Lotion. 

Carbolic acid. £ drachm. 

Borax...2 drachms. 

Glycerine...1 ounce. 

Tannin.1 drachm. 

Alcohol.li ounces. 

Rose water.5 ounces. 

Mix and dissolve. Apply night and morning. 


Manicure Powder. 

This is used for polishing and cleaning the nails: 


Powdered pumice stone.4 ounces. 

Powdered French chalk. £ ounce. 

Carmine (No. 40) in powder. £ drachm. 

Bulk perfume (violet or rose). £ ounce. 


Manicure Salve. 


This is for softening the nails, curing hang-nails, etc.: 


Petrolatum. 1 ounce. 

Powdered castile soap. 2 drachms. 

Oil of bergamot.15 drops. 


Mix thoroughly and apply upon going to bed, wearing a pair of 
gloves. 


Best Bay Rum. 


Oil of bay leaves. 

Oil of pimenta. 

Oil of bergamot. 

Acetic ether.. 

Concentrated lye. 

Deodorized alcohol. 

Water. 

Color sufficient with grass green. 


4 fluid drachms. 
30 minims. 

60 minims. 

,30 minims. 

. 4 drachms. 

. 7 pints. 

. 9 pints. 


Mix the oils and dissolve them in the alcohol; to this gradually 
add the lye, previously dissolved in the water, then add the acetic ether 
and coloring matter, and let stand a few days and filter through a glass 
funnel into a glass vessel. 


Fine Rose Water. 


Oil of rose.15 drops. 

White sugar... £ ounce. 

Carbonate of magnesia. 2 drachms 

Water.•. 2 pints. 

Alcohol. 2 ounces. 
































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 41 

Add the oil to the alcohol, rub with magnesia and sugar, then add 
the water and filter. 


Hoyt’s German Cologne. 


Oil of bergamot..... 1 ounce. 

Oil of Neroli. £ ounce. 

Oil of lemon. 1 ounce. 

Oil of sandal wood. £ ounce. 

Camphor.20 grains. 

Deodorized alcohol.7 pints. 

Hose water. 1 pint. 

Mix, let stand 30 days, and then filter. 

Hair Tonic. 

Tincture red cinchona.3 ounces. 

Glycerine.1£ ounces. 

Jamaica rum. 1 ounce. 

Tannic acid. £ drachm. 

Tincture cantharides.2 drachms 

Tincture capsicum.1 drachm. 

Cologne, sufficient to make 9 ounces. 


Apply once or twice a day, rubbing well into the scalp. 

Clifford’s Shampoo Compound. 


Borax.3 ounces. 

Salts of tartar...1 ounce. 


Mix, and dissolve 1 ounce of the mixture in 1 pint of water when 
wanted for use. 


Quillaya Sea Foam. 


Tincture of quillaya.1 ounce. 

Bay rum.1 ounce. 

Water.6 ounces. 

This is much better than the old form containing ammonia. 

Cream Hair Oil. , 

Pure winter-strained lard oil.2 ounces. 

Strong solution of borax.2 ounces. 


Perfume with bergamot or any desired odor. This makes an elegant, 
creamy preparation, and is one of the best that can be made. The addi¬ 
tion of X A ounce of tincture of cantharides to the above amount will 
stop the hair from falling out and assist Nature in supplying new hair. 
A great many persons are prejudiced against hair oils, but they have 
been used for ages, and will continue to be used. Some hair actually 
demands oil, owing to a lack of that supplied by nature. 

Pomade Hair-Grower. 


Petrolatum. £ pound. 

Tincture cantharides. i ounce. 

Oil of cinnamon.15 minims. 

Oil of bergomot.60 minims. 

Oil of citronella.30 minims. 

Oil of cloves.5 minims. 


Melt the petrolatum and add the tincture of cantharides, and while 
cooling add the other ingredients. 




























42 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Perspiration Powder. 


Salicylic acid.15 grains. 

Carbolic acid.10 drops. 

Burnt alum (powdered).1 drachm. 

Starch (powdered). 2 ounces. 

French chalk (powdered).*. 1 ounce. 

Oil of lemon.20 drops. 


Mix thoroughly, and apply by dusting the powder into the stockings 
and gloves. 

Com and Wart Salve. 


Caustic soda or potassa. 1 ounce. 

Water.1 ounce. 

Starch (powdered). i ounce. 

Glycerine.2 ounces. 


Mix the starch with the glycerine, heat, and stir until thoroughly in¬ 
corporated. Dissolve the potassa in the water heated to a boiling point 
and add the other mixture to it. This preparation needs to be applied 
only once or twice. Spread a little of the salve on the corn, bunion, or 
wart. Do not touch the healthy skin. Allow it to remain several hours 
and then soak the part in warm water. 

German Corn-Killer. 

A very popular liquid preparation for removing corns, etc., is pre¬ 


pared as follows: 

Salicylic acid . 1 drachm. 

Extract of Indian hemp..8 grains. 

Collodion. f ounoe. 


Apply once a day to the hard skin by means of a small brush. 


cHitblaiijs* 

In the treatment of chilblains we give a detailed list of formulas 
from the works and practice of a number of the most eminent physicians 
and surgeons. 

OINTMENT TO BE USED AT NIGHT. 

Dr. Bartholow’s prescription is as follows: 


Carbolic acid.1 drachm. 

Tincture of iodine.2 drachms. 

Tannic acid.2 drachms. 

Simple cerate.4 ounce. 

POWDER TO PREVENT CHILBLAINS. 

Dr. Bandt gives the following prescription: 

Sodium borate.3 parts. 

Alum and benzoin, each.2 parts. 

Mustard.12 parts. 

Orris root and bran, each.10 parts. 

Almond-skins.30 parts. 

Mix with a little water and apply. 
























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


43 


WASH FOE NON-ULCERATED CHILBLAINS. 
Dr. Beasley’s prescription is as follows: 


Sulphate of aluminum and potash. 1 part. 

Vinegar and weak alcohol, of each.25 parts. 


Dissolve and filter. Apply night and morning. 


OINTMENT FOB NON-ULCERATED CHILBAINS. 


Dr. Giacomini’s prescription is as follows: 

Prepared lard. 

Chrystallized acetate of lead. 

Distilled cherry laurel water. 

Mix, and apply night and morning. 


8 parts. 

1 part. 

2 parts. 


FOR UNBROKEN CHILBLAINS. 


Sulphuric acid.1 drachm. 

Spirits of turpentine. 1 drachm. 

Olive oil..8 drachms. 


Mix the oil and turpentine first, then gradually add the acid. Apply 
by rubbing on two or three times a day. 

FOE UNBROKEN CHILBLAINS. 


Lard. 4 ounces. 

Turpentine. 1 ounce. 

Camphor. 2 ounces. 

Oil of rosemary.15 drops. 


Rub in with continued friction. 


FOE BROKEN CHILBLAINS. 

Yellow wax. ) 

Olive oil.> of each, 3 ounces. 

Camphorated oil.) 

Goulard’s extract.. 11 ounces. 

Melt the wax with the oil, then add the camphorated oil and Goulard 
extract. 


I(oW to Make at} fijcUbaior. 

[From Scientific Avierican Supplement .] 

Experiments with the incubator here given have been made all over 
the country. It is one that is in actual use, and has always given satis¬ 
faction. Having secured permission from the originator, we here illus¬ 
trate it for the benefit of our readers. 

To make this incubator get your tinner to make you a tank 15 inches 
wide, 30 inches long, and 12 inches deep, of galvanized iron or zinc, the 
iron being preferable. On the top should be a tube 1 inch in diameter 
and 8 inches high. In front should be another tube, 9 inches long, to 
which should be attached a spigot, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Having 
made your tank, have what is called the ventilator made, which is a box 
with a bottom but no top. The ventilator should be 8 inches deep, and 
1 inch smaller all round than the tank, as the tank must rest on inch 


















44 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


boards. In the ventilator should bo four or six tin tubes Vz inch in 
diameter and 6 inches long. They should extend through the bottom, 
so as to admit air from below, and to within 2 inches of the top or a 
little less. Now make an egg drawer, which is a frame of wood 3 inches 
deep having no top or bottom, except that the front should be boxed off 



and filled with sawdust, which is covered over afterward with a piece of 
muslin to keep the sawdust from spilling. This box in front of the 
drawer exactly fits the opening in Fig. 3, when the drawer is in its place. 
Of course the egg drawer must be made longer than the tank and venti¬ 
lator, in order to allow for this space which it fills in the opening, which 



FIG. 2.— THE TANK. 

Observe that the tubes on the top and the spigot are quite long, in order 
that they may extend through the packing of saivdust which is to 
surround it. This tank is to have a close-fitting covering (top and 
sides ) of wood, to resist pressure of water. The bottom is not to be 
covered. 

is the packing all around the incubator. The bottom of the egg drawer 
should be made by nailing a few slats lengthwise to the under side, or 
rather, fitting them in nicely, and over the slats in the inside of the 
drawer a piece of thick, strong muslin should be tightly drawn. On 
this muslin the eggs are placed, in the same position as if laid in a hen’s 
nest, and it allows tne air to pass through to the eggs for ventilation. 






































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


45 


The eggs can be turned by hand, marked for designation, or an egg 
turner may be made by fastening slats crosswise to one on each side 
running lengthwise, something like a window lattice, and when the eggs 
are placed between these slots by merely pushing the frame the eggs will 
turn over, exactly on the same principle that an egg will roll when it is 



FIG. 3.—DRAWER OPENING. 

Shows the thick packing , which is noticed at the opening. This extends 
all around. The f ront of the egg drawer {Fig. 4) fits in its place in 
order to complete the surrounding packing , when the incubator is 
closed , as at Fig. 1. 

pushed by a block, a book, or anything else; but we believe the method 
is patented, and do not advise infringement. 

Having prepared the tank, let it be covered with a box, but the box 
must not have any bottom. This is to protect the tank against pressure 



FIG. 4.—THE EGG DRAWER. 

The space just in front of the eggs is the portion partitioned off to fit in 
the opening at Fig. 3. The egg drawer is therefore longer than the 
tank and ventilator. 

of water on the sides, and to assist in retaining heat. Such being done, 
place your ventilator first, egg drawer next, and tank last. Now place 
a support under the tank and the box, or have them rest on rods, and as 
the weight of water will be great in the center, the iron rods should oe 
placed crosswise under the tank every G inches. Now fasten the three 
apartments (ventilator, egg drawer, and tank) together, with boards 








































































46 


SECBETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


nailed to the sides and back and front (of course leaving the opening 
for the egg drawer), care being taken to drive no nails in the egg 
drawer, as it must move in and out, and should have a strong strip to 
rest on for that purpose. Having completed these preparations make a 
larger box to go over all three, so that there will be a space on the sides, 



FIG. 5.—THE VENTILATOR. 

The tubes admit air f rom below , tvhich passes into the egg drawer above 
through the muslin bottom of the egg drawer to the eggs. The eggs 
rest upon the muslin , which is tightly drawn over narrow slats run¬ 
ning lengthwise the bottom of the drawer. 

back, front, and on top; but as the ventilator must be filled with saw¬ 
dust to within 1 nch of the top of the tubes, it serves for the bottom 
packing. Make the outer box so that there will be room for filling all 
around the inside box with sawdust, and also on top, being careful to 
let the tube for pouring in the water come through, as also the spigot in 



fig. 6. 

Here we remove the front of the incubator in order to show the positions 
of the ventilator , egg drawer , and tank. First the ventilator , then 
the egg drawer (which of course should be longer than the others in 
order to fit in the opening shown at Fig. 5, but which we did not do 
here in order to mark the places ), and on the top is the tank. When 
the front is completed the incubator is seen at Fig. 1. 

front. About 4 inches or so thickness of sawdust is sufficient, accord¬ 
ing to preference. The front of the incubator must be packed also, but 
an idea of how it should be done may be earned by observing the open- 

















































































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


47 


ing in Fig. 3, which is so constructed that the box in front of the egg 
drawer (Fig. 4) exactly fits into it, and completes the packing when the 
drawer is shut. The incubator should be raised from the floor about an 
inch, when completed, to allow the air to pass under and thence into 
the ventilator tubes. 

The incubator being complete, the tank is filled with boiling water. 
It must remain untouched for twenty-four hours, as it requires time 
during which to heat completely through. As it will heat slowly, it 
will also cool slowly. Let it cool down to 120 deg., and then put in the 
eggs, or, what is better, run it without eggs for a day or two in order to 
learn it and notice its variation. When the eggs are put in, the drawer 
will cool down some. All that is required then is to add about a bucket 
or so of water once or twice a day, but be careful about endeavoring to 
get up heat suddenly, as the heat does not rise for five hours after the 
additional bucket of water is added. The tank radiates the heat down 
on the eggs, there being nothing between the iron bottom of the tanx 
and the eggs, for the wood over and around the tank does not extend 
across the bottom of the tank. The cool air comes from below in the 
ventilator pipes, passing through the muslin bottom of the egg drawer 
to the eggs. The 15x30-inch tank incubator holds 100 eggs if turned by 
hand, but less if the eggs are placed between slats. Lay the eggs in the 
same as in a nest—promiscuously. 

DIBECTIONS. 

Keep the heat inside the egg drawer as near 103 deg. as possible; the 
third week at 104 deg. Avoid opening the egg drawer frequently, as it 
allows too much escape of heat. Be sure your thermometer records 
correctly , as half the failures are due to incorrect thermometers, and 
not one in twenty is correct. Place the bulb of the thermometer even 
with the top of the eggs, that is, when the thermometer is lying down in 
the drawer. The upper end should be slightly raised, so as to allow the 
mercury to rise, but the bulb and eggs should be of the same heat, as 
the figures record the heat in the bulb and not in the tube. Keep a pie 
pan filled with water in the ventilator for moisture and keep two or 
three moist sponges in the egg drawer, displacing a few eggs for the 
purpose. Turn the eggs half way round twice a day at regular intervals. 
Let the eggs cool down for fifteen minutes once every day, but do not 
let them cool lower than 70 deg. No sprinkling is required if the 
sponges are kept moist. If the heat gets up to 110 deg. or as low as 60 
deg. for a little while it is not necessarily fatal. Too much heat is more 
prevalent than too little. A week’s practice in operating the incubator 
will surprise one how simple the work is. The tank will be trouble¬ 
some to fill at first, but the matter will be easy after it is done, as it can 
be kept hot. Heat the water in two or more boilers, as a large quantity 
will be required, and pour it in through the tube on top of the incubator 
boiling hot, using a funnel in the tube for the purpose. Just at the 
time of hatching out do not be tempted to frequently open the drawer. 
Cold draughts are fatal. Patience must be exercised. 


48 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


BROODERS. 

An excellent brooder may be made with a tank of hot water, covered 
well, the same as the incubator. A piece of muslin or woolen cloth 
should be next the bottom to prevent burning the chicks. Keep the 
heat among the chicks at about 90 deg. Let the tank rest on inch boards 
with no opening under it, but in front; a fringe should hang in front 
for the chicks to run in and out under the tank. A little yard may be 
constructed of glass sash, something like a hot-bed. Feed the chicks 
four or five times a day, at first on hard-boiled eggs, chopped fine, giving 
them also a little milk, fine screenings, and millet seed. After they are 
a week old feed anything they can eat, but never feed meal in a raw 
state, as it should be scalded first. Keep a little sand, fine gravel, and 
bone-meal within reach of them all the time, and see that they are always 
dry, clean, and warm. Do not crowd them, as the fewer the number 
together the better, and never have different ages together. 

This incubator will hatch chicks, ducks, turkeys, or guineas, and we 
see no reason why it should not l^itch the egg of the ostrich or anything 
else as well. Chicks hatched by incubators, if rightly cared for, do 
better than with hens, and are stronger and more vigorous. 

We have endeavored here to embody all the answers to questions that 
we suppose may be asked. Should you be in doubt, read the directions 
carefully again. We trust that with the help of our illustrations our 
readers will have no difficulties in the way —The Poultry Keeper. 


A Cheap Charcoal Stove. 

I saw the other day at a friend’s house one of the simplest and most 
effective stoves for a small conservatory it is possible to imagine. It 
was composed of three 12-inch ordinary flower 
pots. The hole at the bottom of the lowest was 
covered with a small pot, into the sides of which 
had been bored a number of holes. The pot was 
then three parts filled with charcoal, and lighted 
from the top. This is the furnace. It is covered 
by pots Nos. 2 and 3, and a light tin funnel and 
chimney carry off the vapor. The draught is 
maintained by placing the apparatus on a couple 
of bricks, and regulated by closing the inter¬ 
vening space with mud, leaving only a sufficient 
aperture to keep the fire burning. This im¬ 
provised stove will burn without attention for 
twenty-four hours, and it is amazing what a 
great amount of heat is given off from so small 
a surface.— 8. J., in the Gardener's Chronicle. 













AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


49 


Preservative Coijipoliijcis. 

Within a few years some valuable methods of keeping meats, fish, 
oysters, fruits, fruit juices, milk, butter, etc., in a healthful, nutritious, 
and palatable condition for a considerable time past the ordinary period 
of their decay have been discovered. In the following treatise we give 
the results of the most patient research in securing all the latest and 
most valuable information in regard to this important subject. 

We will not deal with processes which necessitate complicated ap¬ 
paratus or which require almost impossible chemical combinations, 
but we will explain inventions which have undoubted value combined 
with as much simplicity in the preparation as the circumstances will 
permit. 

Of all the anti-septic agepts used for the purposes mentioned boracic 
acid is the favorite, and salicylic acid next in choice. Various other 
anti-septic agents are used and combined in different ways, according 
to the results of experiments. They are applied either by immersion, 
coating, injecting, vapors, etc., according to specified instructions. 

Prof. Frederic S. Barff of Kilburn, England, it seems was the first 
to combine boracic acid with glycerine, and to produce a preservative 
compound known as boroglyceride, which is soluble in water and 
alcohol. As boracic acid is but slightly soluble in water and other 
common solvents this combination with glycerine—which is also a use¬ 
ful agent in arresting the growth of germs—is peculiarly valuable. It 
is tasteless and inodorous and imparts no disagreeable taste or odor to 
the substance being treated. Solutions of the compound may be applied 
to the preservation of all organic substances, either animal or vegeta¬ 
ble. The process was patented in England in 1881 and in the United 
States in 1882. 

To prepare boroglyceride, glycerine is heated to near its boiling 
point and boracic acid added until it ceases to be dissolved, the propor¬ 
tions being about 92 parts by weight of glycerine to 62 parts by weight 
of boracic acid in chrystals. Maintain the mixture to a temperature of 
about 200 deg. centigrade as long as water is given off. When the mass 
cools it becomes a yellowish, transparent, glacial substance, tough and 
deliquescent. This dissolves in water, but when boiled in large quanti¬ 
ties of the same it is decomposed into glycerine and boracic acid. In 
order to to employ the compound prepare a solution either in water, 
alcohol, or other suitable solvent and immerse in or impregnate with 
such solutions the organic substances to be operated upon. Solutions 
may be prepared of various degrees of strength, but it has been found 
that a solution consisting of 1 part by weight of the compound and 40 
parts by weight of water will give good results; but other desired pro¬ 
portions may be adopted. 

Prof. Barff, the inventor of the boroglyceride process, read a paper 
before the Royal Society of Arts, London, in regard to his method of 
preserving food. The date of the reading is not at hand, but it is sup- 


50 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


posed to be slightly prior to May 13, 1882, on which date it was printed 
in the Scientific American Supplement. Although quite lengthy the 
paper contains so much interesting data and light upon the subject that 
we reproduce it almost entirely, together with remarks by other eminent 
gentlemen who were present at the meeting: 

“This evening I have on the table specimens of food which have been 
kept for longer or shorter periods, as they are intended to illustrate 
various applications of this preserving material. As you know oysters 
are imported very largely in tins. They are cooked at a high tempera¬ 
ture and hermetically sealed. The high temperature to which they are 
exposed necessarily causes a loss of flavor, and it is generally remarked 
that tinned oysters are not a success. * * * I have oysters on the 
table which were opened on the 3d of December in last year. I will ask 
you to taste them and see in what condition they are, and I would also 
remind you that they have not been kept in hermetically sealed tins, but 
simply in corked or stoppered bottles; hence this method of preserving 
oysters is cheaper than the other, and I maintain that it is more effective, 
because thiir natural and fresh flavor is preserved. I am informed by a 
friend in Jamaica that he has sent me some Jamaica oysters and other 
things—I trust they will be here in time for me to submit them to you 
this evening. 

“Another substance, the perfect preservation of which is very im¬ 
portant, is cream, both for home use and for exportation. Cream in 
London costs from four to five shillings per quart; it can be bought in 
country places for two shillings, and even for less. This preservative sub¬ 
stance will keep cream for months perfectly good and sweet, having its 
full flavor; so that it would be quite possible to send it in quantities 
from the country, and its sale need not be pressed as it need not be used 
immediately. I have regularly every week, except during the holidays, 
brought with me from Beaumont College, near Windsor, where I lecture, 
a quart of cream treated with one ounce of the boroglyceride; it has 
always kept perfectly good even in the hottest weather. I have done 
this for a year and a half; a near relative has taken the greater part of 
this regularly for the time stated, and this proves conclusively that there 
is nothing at all injurious to health in the compound. I see a gentle¬ 
man present here to-night who is connected with that college as a pro¬ 
fessor of natual science, and he will, in the discussion, be able to give 
you very valuable information as to the material and as to its perfect 
wholesomeness. Last month I sent some cream to the Rev. J. Ryan, a 
Jesuit priest in Jamaica, and I have received a letter from him, from 
which I will read you an extract: 

‘26 North Street, Kingston, Jamaica, 
‘February 24,1882. 

‘The cream which you sent was used by eight of us in coffee, and was 
pronounced to be wonderfully good. Next morning it was taken in 
preference to a beaten egg, by the captain of H. M. S. Tenedos, to his 
coffee.’ 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


51 


“Last year I sent some Devonshire clotted cream, which I prepared 
myself, to Zanzibar, on the east coast of Africa. The climate here is 
very hot; fresh food will only keep a few hours. This cream had to pass 
through the hot climate of the Red Sea. 1 will read an extract from a 
letter written by a lady who received the cream: 

‘Universities Mission to Central Africa, 
‘Mbweni, Zanzibar, March 8, 1881. 

‘The Devonshire cream you sent us was quite a success. I received it 

last night. Fortunately the Bishop and Miss A-came to Mbweni, 

to-day, so we had it for dinner. That I might have everything correct 
I opened a pot of raspberry jam which we had from London a long time 
ago. The Bishop said it had kept perfectly, but had not quite the rich 
flavor that it has when quite fresh; he has been used to it in Devonshire. 
Every one pronounced it most excellent. We sent some in to Mrs. 

H-, and were surprised at her sending for more, for she seldom 

eats half anything we send her. She did not know what it was, but she 
said she had never had anything here she enjoyed so much.’ 

‘A year ago I sent some cream from Beaumont College dairy to the 
Rev. Thomas Porter, the head of the Jesuit Mission in the West Indies, 
He states that the cream was as good as any he had eaten at home, that 
he gave it to several strangers to eat, and that they would not believe 
that it came from England. These experiments and these testimonies 
prove conclusively that this compound will preserve cream. I shall 
this evening show you specimens. It is easy to send cream in good 
condition to the tropics. A great objection to condensed milk is that 
it is always too sweet. The boroglyceride will preserve condensed milk, 
and will give t no flavor at all. My friend, the Rev. Thomas Porter, 
sent me some articles preserved with the material which, I sent him 
from England. They arrived about June in last year. Some raw, fresh 
turtle came quite fresh. It was cooked and eaten by several persons, who 
said it was quite fresh and good, and had the flavor of fresh turtle. At 
my own house I had turtle cutlets fried; they were perfectly good, and 
tasted like turtle. Another article which Father Porter sent me was an 
uncooked Jamaica pigeon; it was roasted at Beaumont College. I 
divided it and brought half of it home It was tasted by twelve people, 
who all pronounced that it was perfectly good, and had the true pigeon 
flavor. In the same parcel came some green sugar-cane, fresh tama¬ 
rinds taken direct from the tree, fresh limes, and the juices of two 
different fruits. All were fresh, and were tasted by gentlemen who had 
lived in Jamaica, who all declared that they had all their own peculiar 
flavors. On the 3d of September, 1881, another box was sent me from 
Jamaica, containing sugar-cane, guavas, fresh ginger, and turtle; the 
turtle had come to grief, because it was not properly treated on the 
other side; the cane, guavas, and fresh ginger have been tasted by those 
who have lived in Jamaica, and have been pronounced to have their 
true flavors. 

Ordinary milk cannot be kept good for a long time, especially in hot 
weather. If milk were concentrated in this country, and heated with 




52 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


the boroglyceride, carriage would be 6aved, and the milk might be kept 
good and fresh for a fortnight and more; all it would require would be 
to reduce it again to its original strength. If fresh milk be treated with 
this preservative it can be set for cream for several days, even in hot 
weather. The cream which rises will keep, and the skim-milk will re¬ 
main sweet for several weeks; this I have tried in the dairy at Beaumont 
College. From the cream so prepared butter was made, and was kept 
for several weeks without a particle of salt, and was eaten by members 
of the college. I also wish to show another method by which meat can 
be preserved and cheaply transported. In South America, about Buenos 
Ayres and the River Platte, many cattle are killed simply for the hides 
and fat; the flesh is thrown away. Now, if this flesh were cut up in 
small pieces, and put into the preserving liquid for a night, it would, 
even in that hot climate, keep good for some time. It could then in a 
few hours be dried in the sun, packed in casks, and sent to this or to 
other countries. I have a specimen of beef treated in this way. It was 
put into the solution on Jan. 19,1882, dried Feb. 1, and has lately, within 
a few days, been boiled, and here is the resulting beef tea, which has not 
in any way been flavored. I have also small quantities of beef juice 
here preserved in bottles. The juice was expressed and has been kept 
raw. Raw beef and mutton juice is recommended by medical men in 
many conditions of the digestive system. I administered it to a near 
relation for six weeks, and the juice was preserved good by my material. 
In the case referred to the effect was very satisfactory. It appears to 
me to be a most important matter that soup meat, and meat for potting 
and stewing, should be sent to this country in the way I propose. The 
supply would be large, the prices low, and the profits highly satisfactory, 
and it would greatly relieve the meat market, because a very large quan¬ 
tity of fresh meat which is now used for soup could be employed in 
other ways. It has been remarked to me: ‘But would you get people to 
use it?’ I think, to begin with, that if proprietors of hotels and heads 
of large public institutions, workhouses, and hospitals could be shown 
that for half the cost they could have equally good soup and soup stock, 
they would willingly use it, and from thence it would come into private 
use. I have specimens to show the effect of boroglyceride on fish. Here 
are sprats which have been kept for a year; they are dry, but perfectly 
good and eatable; also some preserved fresh since Jan. 13, 1882. You 
will be able to judge of their appearance and flavor. I have also her¬ 
rings and a piece of skate which have been preserved for the same time. 
If fishmongers had a tank of this solution they could, at the end of the 
day, put their fish in it, and take them out when required. Bloaters, when 
lightly cured in hot weather, do not keep good many days; if a small 
quantity of this stuff was used with the salt, they would keep good for 
months. The same may be said of smoked salmon. That which is very 
salt costs 9d per pound, but the mild cured kinds cost 3s. 6d. to 4s. per 
pound. All could be mildly cured if this material was used with the 
other curing substances. As an adjunct in curing mild hams and bacon 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


53 


it would be of great use, for these, when cured lightly, would not go 
bad, as they often do in the summer time. What I have said as to the 
temporary preservation of fish by fishmongers applies equally to the 
preservation of meat and fowls by butchers and poulterers. 

“It is justly complained of that the Australian cooked meat is over¬ 
cooked. If it were for a short time dropped in this preservative solu¬ 
tion it would keep perfectly well after being lightly cooked, even under¬ 
done. I have a piece of beef which was dipped Feb. 28 and boiled on 
March 9. It has been left in its own liquid, it was not flavored, and no 
salt was added. Here, too, is a vast field for the application of the 
process. Here is also lobster which was taken out of the shell Feb. 1, 
and here are two lobsters in their shell which were immersed on the 
same day. 

“I now wish to draw your attention to a parcel from Jamaica, which 
has just arrived, and from which I am able, I am happy to say, to show 
you specimens which must be of interest. In a jar on the table is some 
fresh turtle, which I had simply cooked. I thought it better so to pre¬ 
sent it to you rather than raw. There is also a Jamaica pigeon, also 
just cooked here, and a vol au vent , which I have had made from oysters 
which were sent open in the preserving stuff from Jamaica. These 
specimens will prove conclusively that food sent from a tropical 
climate retains its freshness and delicate flavor. I have reserved one of 
the pigeons raw, that you may see in what state it arrived. Some mut¬ 
ton was shipped to me from the Falkland Islands at the beginning of 
last August; a piece of it is uncooked on the table. I have also had a 
piece stewed, which you will be able to taste this has of course passed 
the tropics. Through the kindness of my friend Mr. Haffenden of the 
‘Andaluzia,’ in the Strand, who owns vineyards in the southwest of 
Spain, 1 can show you some perfectly fresh sardines which he had placed 
in the preserving fluid several months ago in Spain, and which he 
brought with him. You will yourselves judge of their condition; I will 
only remark that they have the peculiar fragrance of that delicate fish, 
and will it not be a boon to have a supply of this fresh delicacy at a 
moderate cost? 

“You will also see, and I hope taste, a pigeon pie. The pigeons and 
the steak have been preserved raw in stoppered bottles since the 21st of 
last November and the eggs since the 4th of July, 1881. I will also call 
your attention to a tongue which I myself placed in the solution Feb. 9 
in this year, with some garlic, sugar, and juniper berries, my object be¬ 
ing to show that salt can, if desired, be dispensed with. You will doubt¬ 
less find that it will require salt; but you will readily infer that hams, 
tongues, etc., can be made just as salt as one pleases, and will yet keep 
perfectly sweet, in fact sounder, than those cured only with salt. This 
tongue was boiled out of pickle. I exhibit two shoulders of mutton, 
one cooked, the other raw; they are from sheep killed Jan. 10,1882. 
Also a piece of beef preserved on the same day; this when you have in¬ 
spected it shall be cut in slices and broiled. You will see some sausages, 


54 


SECEETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


both cooked and uncooked; they were made for me by Mr. Bowron, 
poulterer, of Paddington, early in July last, before I went to Carlsbad. 
I took some with me to that place, and they were there eaten and pro¬ 
nounced good. These are some of the same lot; they were made as fol¬ 
lows: The meat was chopped, put into the preserving fluid for one 
night, and then mixed with the other material in the ordinary way. 
They have been kept since in an earthenware jar; they have, therefore, 
been made more than nine months. I may remark that the bread in 
these sausages was not treated, and therefore it has become slightly 
sour, but the pork has kept perfectly fresh. I have also some other 
sausages which I bought Jan. 12, and at once preserved; these having 
been steeped, the bread has not turned in the slightest degree sour. 

“Mock turtle soup, bought ready made from a confectioner’s shop in 
Oxford street, Jan. 25, treated with the preservative stuff, has remained 
quite good and unchanged in flavor. 

“There is also a specimen of gravy soup made in October last, and 
some vermicelli soup made about three weeks ago. The preservative 
action of boroglyceride in cooked foods is, it seems to me, of great im¬ 
portance to hotel-keepers, confectioners, and restaurant proprietors, as 
it will enable them to buy large stocks when certain articles are cheap, 
and from the specimen I show of cooked beef you see it remains quite 
moist, as it can be kept, without getting sour, in its own gravy and un¬ 
der a layer of its own fat. To prove that articles can be kept and dried 
without losing their flavor, I had some partridges treated and dried 
last February twelvemonth, and I exhibit some soup made from two of 
these birds. The other articles on the table are one raw and one roast 
fowl, bought Jan. 17; one raw and one roast pheasant, bought Feb. 5; one 
rabbit boiled, bought Jan. 17. There are also from Jamaica a green 
lime, some fresh tamarinds, and some pieces of fresh ginger. * * * 

“I thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for the patient hearing you have 
given me.” 

DISCUSSION. 

The Chairman said the paper was marked by the clear and philo¬ 
sophic way in which the subject was treated, and before inviting dis¬ 
cussion upon it he would mention shortly his own experience of the 
process, the only interest of which was that it was quite independent of 
Prof. Barff. When he was asked to take the chair he communicated 
with Mr. Barff, and inquired what the process was. Mr. Barff kindly 
sent him a specimen of this substance, which he melted, and put some 
of it into one-half of a pint of cream. The other half very soon turned 
sour, and had to be thrown away, but that to which the substance was 
added was perfectly fresh that morning. He was confirmed in the 
opinion of its freshness by the cook, though she said there was a very 
slight tartness perceptible, by which she could distinguish it from fresh 
cream. He had also tried another experiment on meat which was 
chopped very fine, and divided into two parts; to one part he added 
merely tepid water, to the other, tepid water to which one-sixteenth 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


55 


of its bulk of this compound had been added. This was left on the 
meat for eighteen hours, and then filtered off through muslin. Several 
days ago the portion which had no preservative was very offensive, but 
the other portion was that morning Derfectly free from any odor what¬ 
ever. 

The Rev. J. L. Dobson said he had had the pleasure of being associ¬ 
ated with Mr. Barff in most of the experiments he had detailed, and 
might therefore anticipate his reply to one or two points raised by Dr. 
Graham. An experiment which was tried for some time in a large 
school would answer the .question of wholesomeness. At the Beaumont 
College, Windsor, there was a large staff of teachers and over 200 pupils, 
and during the hot weather of last summer the dairymaid was very much 
annoyed at the milk turning sour, and applied to him to see if he could 
do anything to counteract it. He handed her some 14 or 15 lbs. of this 
material^ and during the whole of the hot weather and well on into Sep¬ 
tember it was constantly used, and the milk was preserved; but the 
method was not detected by any one, either by the younger members or 
by those who might be expected to oe more critical. No ill effects were 
observed by the medical officer or by individuals. From his own ex¬ 
perience he thought the aroma was very well preserved throughout. 
For instance, in oysters which had been preserved over three months 
there was the characteristic aroma of the fresh oyster; mutton could be 
easily distinguished from beef, and the peculiar smell of the turtle was 
also very distinct. They had not yet tried beer with so much fullness as 
other articles, but about nine months ago a small quantity was treated 
and left exposed to the air, with only a loose stopper of cotton wool. 
It did not grow cloudy in the ordinary way, but owing to the severity of 
the experiment, and perhaps to not sufficiently treating it, after four 
months it lost all flavor, became extremely flat, and a slight fungus ap¬ 
peared. 

Dr. Thudichum had listened with great pleasure to the paper, and 
had no doubt if the application of the invention could be effected on a 
large scale it would be very useful. He had some experience with re¬ 
gard to a portion of the ingredients used, viz.: boracic acid, though he 
had none of this beautiful new compound. It might not be known to 
the meeting that boracic acid had been used for a great many years for 
preserving food, and in fact many of them in summer time had their 
milk well dosed with it. It had been sold to milkmen in London for 
years under the name of “aseptin.” He had tested it in 1865 and found 
a great many of those effects which Mr. Barff described. For instance 
eggs were beautifully preserved, and steak immersed in the solution did 
not become either mouldy or decomposed, but on the contrary appeared 
to retain its flavor. A variety of other things, such as cheese and cream, 
were for a long time preserved by this application of aseptin. He hoped 
the addition of the glycerine would increase the power and prevent 
some drawbacks which would otherwise stand in the way of boracic 
acid alone as a preservative of raw or cooked meat. 

Prof. Barff, in reply to the various questions which had been asked, 


56 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


said he had used salicylic acid and had found it useful in preserving 
food, but for several reasons discontinued further investigations, one 
being on the score of its unwholesomeness, and he found that his views 
on that point had been borne out by the action taken by the French 
Government. Dr. Graham had asked him about flavor; he had given 
Dr. Graham a few days ago some specimens of preserved fish, which he 
said had lost their flavor, but that would not be found to be the case 
with the box of sardines. The herrings had been kept in an open vessel 
exposed to the air ever since the day they were put into the liquid, and 
therefore it was not surprising that they had lost their flavor. If they 
would try any of the things which had been tinned, not soldered up, but 
such as the Jamaica pigeons, which were in a common corked bottle, it 
would be found that the aroma and flavor were retained. The only 
thing requisite was to keep the vessel so as to exclude the air, as you 
would with tea or coffee. Dr. Thudichum made some very interesting 
remarks ■fchich there was not time to refer to at length, if he were com¬ 
petent to do so, but not being a medical man he could not enter into 
medical questions. As to the wholesomeness of the compound, how¬ 
ever, he might say that he had taken large quantities of it himself and 
it had never done him any harm; and a near relative had taken an ounce 
per week regularly for a year and a half, without any ill effect—a person, 
too, not very strong or of good digestive powers. The boys and teachers 
of Beaumont College drank mills preserved with it without distinguish¬ 
ing the taste or suffering any ill effects. He knew there were medical 
opinions in favor of ooracic acid, and one physician he was acquainted 
with used it as a medicine. If it were at all unwholesome he certainly 
should not recommend it, but he did not think there was the slightest 
fear. As to boron getting into the system, it was not boron which was 
used, but oxide of boron; but even if it did—and he should not be sur¬ 
prised if traces of boron were found in the excreta—it did not follow 
that any harm was done. There were many things which went through 
the system without injury; for instance, silica, of which most people 
took a great deal in the twenty-four hours. As to the cost of the process 
the cost per gallon, as far as he could tell—he could not tell exactly— 
would be under Is.—perhaps 8d. or 9d.—and a gallon would affect an 
enormous quantity. Most of the articles on the table were put into one 
pan of solution, and the cost of the whole stuff was about 91d. Should 
the process be adopted commercially experiments as to the cost would 
be most carefully made and the results published. A joint of any size 
could be soaked; the only thing was to give it plenty of time. You 
might soak a piece of beef of twenty pounds, forty pounds, or fifty 
pounds; or you might use an injecting syringe, such as butchers em¬ 
ployed for salting meat quickly, and the meat so treated would keep for 
a week or a fortnight perfectly good, but he did not think it would keep 
well enough to pass under a tropical sun. In order to do that you must 
inject by the aorta, by means of a force pump, so as to send the liquid 
into all the interstices of the flesh. As to the proportions, 1 in 20 was 
the strongest he used, and 1 in 60 the weakest; for preserving meat 1 i 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


57 


50 answered perfectly well—1 lb. of the compound added to 50 lbs. of 
water. The bottle should be put before the fire until melted, and then 
poured into hot water, and it would dissolve. With regard to preserv¬ 
ing morbid specimens he thought it would answer perfectly well. He 
had had some practice in morbid anatomy, and he might say that, for 
the injection of bodies to be used for anatomical purposes it would 
keep them perfectly sweet. It should be injected by the aorta in the 
usual way before injecting with the red wax. In reply to Mr. Dipnall 
he would say that the compound penetrated right through into the inner¬ 
most parts of the meat. If you had an earthen pan and put into it 1 
lb. of this and 50 lbs. of water, and placed in it a joint which came 
home on the Saturday night in hot weather, you could take it out the 
next day and it would keep perfectly for a fortnight. Of course it took 
time to penetrate into the meat, but the first superficial penetration 
stopped the injurious effects of germs which set up putrefaction. An¬ 
other important fact was this: if you had a roast leg of lamb, perfectly 
good, but did not eat it all, and put it away in hot weather, it would 
turn sour, but if it had been treated in this way it would not; it would 
keep for six months without going sour. By adding a small quantity 
from time to time, which you could only learn by experience, the bath 
would keep perfectly fresh and effective, though it would be found after 
a time to get rather dark colored. That arose from the juice of the 
meat, and the advantage of this process was that you need not throw it 
away, as you must brine, but could boil it down into very good soup. 
In conclusion he would only ask his hearers to read the paper and dis¬ 
cussion carefully when published, and he was sure any one would be 
able to carry out the process. 

The Chairman, in proposing a hearty vote of thanks to Prof. Barff, 
said the process he had described was remarkable for its great simplic¬ 
ity and the ease with which it could be carried out. Any cook could 
readily apply it. 

The vote of thanks was carried unanimously. 

An Improved Boracic Acid-Glycerine Compound. 

The following is the invention of an American, William S. Fickett 
of Rochester, N. Y., and is an improved process of combining boracic 
acid with glycerine for preservative purposes. (Patent No. 285,350.) 

“My invention consists in a new mode of producing a new preserva¬ 
tive compound from boracic acid and glycerine, as hereinafter described. 
Heretofore by one method* such a compound has been produced from 
these ingredients by heating glycerine to near its boiling point and add¬ 
ing boracic acid until it ceases to be dissolved, and maintaining that 
mixture to a temperature of 200 deg. centigrade as long as water is given 
off, etc. 

“Now my process consists in taking equal quantities of glycerine and 
crystallized boracic acid, placing the same in a closed or sealed vessel, 


* Doubtless the Barff process—[author. 




58 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


and then applying heat at about 300 deg. Fahrenheit for about two hours, 
which causes the boracic acid to dissolve and blend with the glycerine. 
On cooling it forms without loss of weight into on opalescent semi¬ 
solid, freely soluble in cold water, entirely devoid of bitter or metallic 
taste, and communicating no objectionable taste to butter or like deli¬ 
cate foods. When thus produced it is an unfailing preventive of fer¬ 
mentation and decay in animal and vegetable matter or fluid com¬ 
pounds.” 

The following is a different process of using boracic acid, and ex¬ 
plains itself: 

James Howard, Philadelphia, Pa.; composition for preserving foods. 
(Patent No. 276,246.) 

“I have discovered a method of obtaining a chemical compound of 
boracic acid for the production of which neither solution nor the em¬ 
ployment of heat is necessary, the salt being formed by the union of the 
component substances in a dry state, so that the difficulties of solution 
and of loss through volitization is avoided. Moreover the compound has 
anti-septic properties distinct from those of the acid, due to one of the 
other elements thereof, and is tasteless. 

“I take preferably not less than 5 parts by weight of pure boracic 
acid in crystals, and add thereto 1 part of pure phosphate of soda. The 
ingredients are mixed together dry, in a mill or other suitable grinding 
apparatus, and as the chemical reaction between them progresses the 
whole, or practically the whole, of the acid crystals lose their structure, 
and the mass can be ground until it assumes a pasty or doughy condi¬ 
tion. The result is boro-phosphate of soda, containing more or less 
free boracic acid, according to the excess thereof used above the pro¬ 
portions given. The moisture yielded by the chemical reaction is 
evaporated at the ordinary temperature by exposure to the air without 
loss of boracic acid, and the dry amorphous salt thus produced is read¬ 
ily ground. It may be used either as a dry powder or may be dissolved 
in water and applied in the usual modes to the substances to be pre¬ 
served. If desired other substances, such as salt and saltpeter, may be 
added to the boro-phosphate compound, and the whole mixed thoroughly 
by regrinding.” 

Preservation of Butter, Lard, Etc. 

The following process is the invention of Mr. William Pitt Clot¬ 
worthy. (Patent No. 284,184.) 

The process consists of incorporating with the fat, which may con¬ 
sist of butter, lard, or other grease, a sufficient amount of paraffine. 
Paraffine is non-oxidizable, without taste or odor, and, as the inventor 
claims, it is perfectly harmless when used in this manner, just as bees¬ 
wax is swallowed with honey, although not in such large proportion. 
Tons of paraffine are manufactured yearly into chewing gum and chewed 
harmlessly by thousands. 

In preserving butter the process is as follows: Take 1 ounce of fresh 
un salted butter and incorporate with it 1 ounce of paraffine, and thus 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 59 

orm a jelly, and then thoroughly mix this amount of jelly with 1 pound 
of butter. 

In preserving lard combine the paraffine as follows: When the lard 
is ready to be drawn off from the rendering kettles, and while still hot, 
add 1 ounce of paraffine to each pound of lard and stir the mass thor¬ 
oughly. 


Compound for Preserving Food. 

Theodore L. Corwin of Marathon, N. Y., has invented the following. 
(Patent .No. 253,983): 

The invention relates to the class of compounds used to preserve in a 
healthful state such articles of food as meats, fish, milk, eggs, butter, 
oysters, cider, and also to be used as a disinfectant and to arrest putre¬ 
faction. 

“I take of nitrate of potassium, of salicylic acid, and of chloride of 
sodium, each 1 ounce. These should all be in powder and dissolved in 1 
quart of water. Then add 1 drachm of hydrochloric acid previously 
diluted with 1 ounce of water. To preserve meat immerse for twenty 
minutes in the hot solution, after which let it drain for one hour; then 
pack in a well-closed vessel. For the preservation of fish use the same 
as for meat, only the solution should be allowed to become cold before 
using. To keep oysters stir into them 3 ounces of the solution (cold) to 
each gallon of oysters. Cider will be kept sweet if there is added to 
each barrel 1 quart of the solution immediately after the cider comes 
from the press. Milk to be kept sweet should have the powder first 
named, viz.: nitrate of potassium, salicylic acid, and chloride of sodium, 
each 1 ounce, added to every 16 gallons. As a disinfectant the solution 
should be sprinkled freely around the place or places to be disinfected. 
To prevent putrefaction the solution should be copiously applied to the 
object treated.” 

Fruit-Juice Preservatives. 

An Ohio inventor has patented a process for preserving fruit juices^ 
such as cider, wine, etc., which he says, if treated according to his direc¬ 
tions, will keep unchanged for years: 

“The juice is taken before fermentation takes place and boiled, all 
scum is carefully skimmed off, and then the liquid, while still hot, is 
filtered througn a compound of partially pulverized charcoal, crushed 
mustard seed, and ground sassafras root. The filter should be covered 
with fine woven wire, outside of which should be fastened a flannel 
cloth to catch all escaping sediment. To every gallon of juice to be 
filtered there is placed in the filter 2 ounces of charcoal, 2 scruples of 
crushed mustard seed, and 6 drachms of ground sassafras root. After 
filtering it is again boiled, and if any scum or impurities appear on the 
surface they are removed, when the juice is to be bottled, corked tightly, 
and should be left for one year.” 

Schaumberg & Dillon’s method of preserving fruit juices consists in 
bottling and sealing the juices, and then heating the bottles to 170 deg* 


60 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Fahrenheit for thirty-five minutes. The juices are put in bottles and 
are immediately corked and wired securely, and then submerged in a 
water bath to a depth of about 1 inch above the bottles. 

The advantages of this process are that the fruit juices will remain 
sweet indefinitely, will not ferment, and are free from all deleterious 
matter. 

Smoke or Vapor Preserving Compound. 

Rebecca A. McDaniel of Burr Oaks, la., has patented the following, 
which is one of quite a number of this class of preservative processes: 

“In preserving different articles, such as fruits, meats, and other 
edibles, I subject them for a proper time—differing with different arti¬ 
cles—to the fumes arising from burning the compound. This may be 
accomplished by confining the articles to be treated in a chamber in 
which the compound is being burned. 

COMPOSITION. 


Salicylic acid.1 ounce. 

Sulphur.2 pounds. 

Pulverized orange peel. \ ounce. 

Ground cinnamon.3 ounces. 


This compound well mixed will burn slowly and generate fumes or 
vapor which have a peculiar action in the preservation of fruits, butter, 
milk, pies, bread, eggs, and all kinds of cooked or uncooked food. In 
treating meats add nitrate of potash, 4 ounces. 

Treatment: Provide a box or other chamber with shelves upon which 
the articles to be treated may be placed. Within the chamber, properly 
closed, I ourn a suitable quantity of the compound, allowing the fumes 
to bathe the articles to be treated. The compound is of a quality that 
will burn slowly by reason of its peculiar composition, and it may be 
burned with fuel other than it contains.” 

Salicylic Acid as a Preservative. 

Salicylic acid, aside from its remedial value, is used largely as a pre¬ 
servative, either in a dry state or in the form of a solution in water or 
alcohol. Salicylic acid is a white, dry, crystalline powder, devoid of 
smell or taste, undergoes no change when kept in store, and is neither 
inflammable nor volatile. It can be procured in almost any drug store, 
and since 1874 a new process in its manufacture has cheapened it in 
price and placed it within the reach of all. 

Medical authorities agree in considering the daily consumption of 1 
gramme as being not only perfectly inoffensive, but decidedly beneficial 
to health. An individual living on a salicylated diet would not absorb 
so much of the salicylic acid per diem as that which is prescribed to be 
taken for the prevention of epidemics and other ailments, such as gout, 
rheumatism, catarrhal affections, etc. 

The proportions in which salicylic acid dissolves are: 

One part by weight in 300 to 500 parts of cold water. 

One part by weight in 18 to 20 parts of hot water. 

One part by weight in 50 parts of glycerine. 

One part by weight in 3 parts of absolute alcohol. 






AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 61 

In rum, brandy, wine, cider, etc., it dissolves according to their re¬ 
spective strengths and temperatures. 

Note.—B y contact with iron in any form salicylic acid takes a violet 
color. 

This must be noted, especially when treating milk, etc., if contained 
in metallic vessels. The only bad effects will be simply slight discolor¬ 
ation. 

MEAT. 

It is a well-known fact that, especially in hot weather, meat, poultry, 
and game, although apparently quite fresh, prove, on closer examina¬ 
tion, or often only when cooked, to be tainted and of bad odor. This 
can be entirely removed by either watering and washing the meat in a 
lukewarm solution of salicylic acid (three to four teaspoonfuls of acid 
to two quarts of water), or by adding a small pinch of the dry acid in 
powder, during the cooking. 

To keep meat for several days from becoming high or tainted: 

Place it for twenty or thirty minutes in an aqueous solution of 8 
drachms of salicylic acid to one gallon of water. 

Rub into the surface of the meat some dry salicylic acid, particu¬ 
larly about the bony and fatty parts; the meat to be afterward cleaned 
before cooking as usual. 

Although the raw meat treated with the acid turns slightly pale on 
the surface it suffers no change whatever internally. Meat thus 
treated with salicylic acid requires, also, less cooking to render it 
tender. 

PURE MILK. 

A third of a teaspoonful (or, if the temperature be high, a little 
more) of the solid acid to a quart of milk delays the process of curdling 
for thirty-six hours, without influencing its property of yielding cream. 

BUTTER 

Washed with an aqueous solution (four drachms of acid to a gallon of 
water), or kept in it, or wrapped in cloths soaked in this water, keeps 
fresh for a very long time. Butter already rancid can be improved by 
treatment with a stronger solution (8 drachms of acid to 1 gallon of 
water), followed by washing in pure water. The bad smell often arising 
in salted butter is entirely prevented by addition of the acid. 

JAMS OF ALL KINDS, JELLIES, PRESERVES, AND PICKLES, 

Ot every description, made in the usual way, but with the addition of 
about 1 drachm of salicylic acid to every 4 pounds of the preserve, will 
keep sound with absolute certainty for a much longer time, fermenta¬ 
tion and mouldiness being prevented. Under exceptionally unfavorable 
circumstances, such as hot pantries, a little of the dry acid should be 
sprinkled on the top of the vessel or preserve pot. A tightly-fitting 
piece of blotting paper, previously saturated with a concentrated solu¬ 
tion of salicylic acid in spirit, brandy, or rum, and placed on the top of 
the preserves will also greatly aid in keeping them. 


62 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


NEW-LAID EGGS 

Can be kept for a very long time by being placed for half an hour in a 
cold, saturated, aqueous solution of the acid, then allowed to dry in the 
air, and, as usual, kept in a cool place. Some prefer to coat them by 
dipping them in melted paraffine after they have been treated in this 
manner. (Use no straw or hay in packing eggs.) 

THE YOLK AND THE WHITE OF EGGS 
Are most effectually preserved for a long time by the addition of *4 to 1 
ounce of the acid per 20 pounds of these substances. It is also well to 
place a paper soaked in the salicylic acid solution on the top of them, 
which greatly enhances the preserving effect. 

In the manufacture of vinegar, salicylic acid is also of great impor¬ 
tance to prevent false or excessive fermentation, putridity, etc. 

WINE. 

With respect to wine the experiments of Prof. Neubauer of Wies¬ 
baden have proved that the introduction of the acid for the preservation 
of wine marks an era of great industrial progress, as it energetically 
prevents, even when used in very small quantities, the formation of 
mould germs and other circumstances which are injurious to wine, 
while it absolutely arrests secondary fermentation, cloudiness, etc. As 
wine differs very much in its constitution the requisite quantity of sali¬ 
cylic acid must be found out by practice in each particular case. About 

to % of an ounce per 50 gallons will be found sufficient for most 
wines. In using the salicylic acid for this purpose it is recommended 
to make a strong solution of it in pure spirit, perfectly free from fusel 
oil, and then to add of this solution as much as may be requisite. 

If in addition to this the casks are washed out with an aqueous solu¬ 
tion of the acid it will prove of great service, and all other agents at 
present used for this purpose will soon be abandoned. The larger the 
amount of sugar in proportion to the alcohol the more salicylic acid 
will be required. The addition is best made when the wine has attained 
its full ripeness. The effervescence of wine in spring, or after carriage 
in warm weather, will at once be stopped. The salicylic acid kills all 
kinds of germs, and destroys the growth and action of any yeast which 
may still be present; it is therefore of incalculably value in effectually 
preserving wine, and as a preventive of the deterioration to which this 
liquid is subject. 

Must, fresh from the press in autumn, can be kept without fermenta¬ 
tion perfectly fresh, bright, and sweet for six to eight months by the 
addition of 1 to 1 l A ounces per 50 gallon, or of % ounce per 100 bottles. 
Sparkling Must requires an addition of 6 to 7 ounces of salicylic acid 
per 100 gallons. In the same manner all kinds of fruit-wine which, as 
is well known, soon turn sour, can be preserved by the addition of a 
similar quantity of salicylic acid. Must kept still for transport can at 
any time be set into fermentation by a slight addition of carbonate of 
soda and fresh yeast. 


AND GEEAT PHYSICIANS. 


63 


BEER. 

Experiments made upon a large scale have placed beyond a doubt 
the remarkable properties of salicylic acid as a preventive of secondary 
fermentation and acidity in beer, and as a preservative of beer in a 
sound condition when sent out or exposed to the noxious influences of 
warm cellars, change of temperature, etc. The amount of salicylic acid 
required to produce the best effects in preserving beer varies according 
to the quality of the malt liquor; but half an ounce per barrel of 36 im¬ 
perial gallons will be very generally found to answer the purpose well. 
The addition of the salicylic acid delays secondary fermentation in 
stock and export beers, which may then be kept for any length of time 
without becoming unsound or of unpleasant flavor. Less than a quarter 
ounce of the powder of salicylic acid per barrel of boiling wort strewn 
into the same while turning out will destroy or suspend the vitality of 
the false ferments, especially that of the lactic ferment, in the ferment¬ 
ing vats, and this not only without injury to the yeast cells, but keeping 
them free from parasitical growths. In this manner the fermentation 
will take a steadier course and enable the liquor to attain its perfection 
during the ensuing still fermentation in the cask, into which another 
quarter ounce or more of the acid is to be given per barrel a fortnight 
before racking. Stout, and in fact all beers for export to a hot climate, 
require rather more. 

For long transports the acid in powder can be simply thrown into 
the export casks, in which it dissolves in the course of three days instead 
of a weeit, which is required by the cold beer lying quietly. 

BOTTLED BEER NOT SALICYLATED IN THE CASK. 

The clean bottles must be rinsed with a solution of 1 part of salicylic 
acid in 4 or 5 parts of spirit (free from fusel oil), which can be poured 
from 1 bottle to another. Or, a small pinch of the acid in powder is 
placed in every bottle before filling. 

The corks should always be boiled in water containing 1 ounce to the 
gallon, which is also efficient in disinfecting tubes, taps, etc. 

CIDER. 

Dissolve % of an ounce of salicylic acid in a gallon of cider, and then 
add this amount to each barrel of cider. This is superior to any prepa¬ 
ration of lime. The cider must be treated when fresh. 

GLUE, GELATINE, GUM ARABIC SOLUTIONS, PASTE, SIZE, STARCH, INK, 
SKINS OF ALL KINDS, ETC. 

Are successfully preserved for a length of time from decomposition or 
deterioration by means of salicylic acid. One-thousandth part of the 
acid introduced into a vat of geletine or into decoctions of animal mat¬ 
ter, prevents their undergoing decomposition for an indefinite period 
of time. Calico printers are using half a pound of the acid to every 100 
pounds of dressing starch, in order to entirely preclude the disagreeable 
odor arising after awhile from dry goods in store. 


64 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


IN THE PROCESS OF TANNING, 


If the bark-color be slightly salicylated, this liquor will not undergo 
the change which, instead of making the hides and skins swell, often 
causes the opposite effect, contracting them by an alkaline action, and 
at the same time imparting to them a putrid odor. Treatment with 
carbolic acid also leaves a most objectionable odor, especially in fine 
leather goods. The use of salicylic acid will thus be found highly re¬ 
munerative to all tanners, as it has proved in the industries already 
alluded to. 


IN SUGAR FACTORIES 


Three drachms of salicylic acid are used to every BOO pounds of beet¬ 
root in the diffusing liquor, in order to prevent fermentation, and for 
destroying the parasitical growths, especially noticeable in the old 
material. 


FOR DISINFECTING. 


Fumigation with the acid purifies the air and walls of closed rooms. 
Simply evaporate some on a heated shovel, which must not be red-hot. 

The air in crowded buildings, schools, barracks, hospitals, factories, 
etc., will be improved by keeping the floors sprinkled with the solution. 
In sick rooms this is of great importance, the dust settling on the floor 
being the readiest receptacle and means of transmitting the micro¬ 
scopic fungi or germs of infection which float in the air. 


VESSELS, CORKS, ETC. 


Are very well cleaned and disinfected by washing them with an aqueous 
solution of the acid. This deserves especial notice. 

It is evident that numerous advantageous applications of salicylic 
acid are carried out besides those enumerated above, but the descrip¬ 
tions already given will enable any person interested in the matter to 
find out the best means of deriving profit from the wonderful proper¬ 
ties of this extremely useful substance. 



BY JOHN TAYLOR, 


Houses built on this plan are lined throughout the inside with sheet 
iron. There is a layer of felt nailed to the sides, ceiling, and floor of 
the room, and on this is nailed the sheet iron. It is then painted with 
two heavy coats, it being the aim to fill up all joints and 6eams with the 
paint. But as the tin and felt do not render the room absolutely air¬ 
tight, I am of opinion that it can as well be dispensed with. It might 
save some ice if the seams were all soldered. The layer of cement, 
asphaltum or gas tar, which should cover the ground below the joists, 
is to protect the room from the moisture and warmth of the earth. 
Above this layer should be about 30 inches of dry sawdust or turners 
shavings, well packed up to the level of the top of the joists. 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


65 


The drainage from the ice is carried off by a series of Y-shaped tin or 
iron troughs, which run between the joists, all of which carry the water 
to one point, where it is carried outside by a trap-pipe. These troughs 
reach over to the center of the top of the joists, and are soldered to¬ 
gether, so that no water will drip on the floor below. It will be seen 
that in this plan there is no sawdust or other preservative in contact 
with the ice, and that the air of the room circulates around and over the 
ice. As long as the temperature of the goods stored is above the tem¬ 
perature of the room there will be a gentle draught around the mass of 
ice, and of course all the moisture in the air, vapors, and odors from 



EtfTioeratlnQKmc* 


the goods will condense on the ice and pass off, so that you can keep 
milk, cream, butter, fruits, and meats all in the same chamber without 
danger of injuring the flavor of either. The atmosphere of the room is 
always dry, sweet, and pure. 

The features of this plan can as well be carried out by arranging a 
room inside of another building. 

I should have explained before that the ice does not rest directly on 
the joists; but there is a bed of oak lath, about 11 by 3 inches, laid across 
the joists, about 4 or 5 inches apart, on which the ice is laid. I would 


































































66 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS) 


further suggest that another cold chamber can as well be had by making 
a cellar under the one shown, with a lattice floor between them. It 
would be necessary to finish the sides and bottom of this cellar in the 
most complete manner, as above described. At the entrance to the 
store-room there must be a vestibule, either inside or outside, as space 
or circumstances may direct. If outside the walls should be thick and 
the door very heavy. The doors, both inside and outside, should be 
fitted with rubber, so as to close perfectly tight, and both doors must 
never be opened at the same time. This vestibule should be large 
enough to contain a fair wagon load of goods, so that if you are receiv¬ 
ing a load of stuff you are not required to stop until all is in the vesti¬ 
bule and ready to store. This house only needs filling once a year. The 
temperature will range from 34 deg. in winter to 36 deg. in summer, and 
will preserve fruit perfectly from season to season. The opening for 
putting in the ice, shown just under the pulley in the cut, has two doors 
with a space between; each door a foot thick. The window in the cold 
room has three sets of sash, well packed or cemented. The walls are 13 
inches thick, lined with 17 inches of sawdust. Thirty-six inches of saw¬ 
dust are put on the floor over the ice. The building shown is 25 feet 
square, inside measure, and 22 feet from floor of cold room to ceiling 
over the ice. The ice-room is 12 feet high, and the cold room 9 feet. 
Pillars are required under the center of the ic q.—C ountry Gentleman. 


Cheap ice^rioUses. 

Settlers in the newer portions of the couutry are often deprived of 
many comforts which are easily accessible in long-settled places. What¬ 
ever contributes to lessen these privations, if at little cost, should merit 
special attention. A cheap ice-house may be made to afford an impor- 



flQ. 1 . 


tant share of country comforts in such settlements. There is nothing 
to prevent an abundant supply through the heat of summer where there 
is a stream or sheet of water within two or three miles from which clear 
blocks of ice may be sawed. Sawdust is the best material for packing, 

















AND GKEAT PHYSICIANS. 67 

but in its absence chaff, chopped straw, or even straw unchopped may 
be made to answer the purpose. 

A costly and elaborate building is no better than the cheapest 
structure for keeping ice, if care is only taken to have it properly 
packed, which is very easily done after one “knows how.” We have 
never seen ice better preserved through a long and hot summer than in 
a board shanty with only one thickness of siding, and that full of cracks 
and crevices. For a new settlement one built of logs, like that shown 
in the accompanying figure (Fig. 1), may be made to answer a good 





purpose. The floor may be slabs, and the roof a covering of brush to 
hold the packing to its place, if a slab roof is not readily made. If saw¬ 
dust is used for packing the crevices between the logs will need close 
stopping; or, still better, it can be faced on the inside with slabs set 
upright, with the smooth side inward. If straw is employed the rough 
logs may remain, and the crevices between them may be left open. For 
sawdust a well-packed space of 10 inches between walls and ice will 
keep the ice well; chopped straw should be 15 or 20 inches thick, and 
long straw should occupy a space of 2 feet. Stiff, coarse straw will not 
answer unless packed very solid; finer and softer, as of thickly sown 



oats, is better, and the walls which it forms need not be quite so thick. 
Fine hay would be still better, and would answer if only a foot and a 
half thick and well put in. Dry swamp moss, such as nurserymen use 
for packing trees and plants, would be one of the very best substances 
for protecting the ice, if only a foot thick. 

Having prepared the house and packing cut the blocks of ice of pre¬ 
cisely equal size, using a cross-cut saw with one handle removed, to go 
under water. The size should be measured and scratched on the surface 
for the saw to follow. Two feet square is a convenient size. When cut 













68 


SECEETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


lift them out with a light plank having a batten nailed across one end 
to hold them (Fig. 2). Place about 10 inches of sawdust on the floor (or 
twice as much solid straw), and build the structures solid with the ice 
blocks, ramming in the sawdust or other packing as the structure goes 
up (Fig. 3). When finished cover it with a thickness of packing nearly 
equal to that at the sides. It is important that there be free ventilation 


Figa. 

over the top, which the loose brush will not prevent. If there is a slab 
roof th9 air must blow freely between this roof and the top covering. 
The slab floor will allow a free drainage of all the water which runs 
down through the packing from the melting ice. 

A structure nearly as cheap as the preceding is represented in Fig. 4. 
It is made by setting rough posts into the ground with the inner sides 


Fig. 5, 

straight or faced with the ax, and then nailing common rough boards on 
them (like a tight fence) to a sufficient height. The floor is made as 
already described, and the roof may be boards or slabs. The openings 
at the gables perform an important part in the ventilation b.v admitting 
all the air that can sweep over the top sawdust. Fig. 3, already referred 
to, is the ground plan, and Fig. 5 is a vertical section. 

There are three requisites to be secured in order to keep the ice sue- 


































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


69 


cessfully: 1st. The closely packed, non-conducting substance on each 
side, under and above the mass of ice. 2d. Perfect drainage at the bot¬ 
tom without the admission of air. 3d. Free circulation of air over the 
top covering. If these requisites are observed the result will be entirely 
satisfactory.— Country Gentlemen. 


A Cheap Ice* Chest. 

Procure two dry-goods boxes, one of which is enough smaller than 
the other to leave a space of 3 or 4 inches all around when it is placed 
inside. Fill the space between the two with sawdust packed closely and 
cover with a heavy lid made to fit neatly inside the larger box. Insert a 
small pipe in the bottom of the chest to carry off the water from the 
melting ice. For family or grocers’ use this will prove even more serv¬ 
iceable than some of the high-priced patent refrigerators. 


ice WllKoUl ai) Sce-MoUse. 

Select a dry, shady spot; dig a ditch for carrying pff the waste water, 
and over it place a lath-work. U pon this lay a thick layer of moss, 
leaves, or sawdust. Now pile upon this the cakes of ice, the larger the 
better, and cut or sawed square in such a manner as to leave as few 
spaces as possible, filling up those which may occur with fine sawdust 
in order to prevent the air from penetrating into the interior of the pile. 
It is best to build the pile in the form of a pyramid. When completed 
it is covered with straw, moss, or leaves as thick and as close as possi¬ 
ble, a layer of earth being thrown upon it to secure the covering and as 
a further protection to the ice. Where a stream or lake is inaccessible 
from which to procure ice for filling ice-houses, especially where a 
small quantity is stored, the ice can be frozen with water from the well 
in boxes or other contrivance made especially for the purpose, which 
we leave to the ingenuity of those who are interested. 


Freezing Mixtures. 

Refrigerating salts and mixtures are used to produce cold artificially. 
They are used with or without ice or snow. As is well known common 
salt mixed with pounded ice or snow lowers the temperature to a con¬ 
siderable degree, so there are other mixtures which will produce a still 
greater degree of cold. The follbwing simple and cheap preparation, 
when mixed according to directions, will produce artificial cold suffi- 


70 


SECKETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS. 


- cient to cool wines, etc., without the aid of ice: Take common sal- 
ammoniac, well pulverized, 1 part; saltpeter, 2 parts, and mix well 
together: then take common soda, well pulverized. To use, take equal 
quantities of these preparations (which must be kept separate and well 
covered previous to using) and put them in the freezing pot; add of 
water a sufficient quantity, and put in the article to be frozen in a proper 
vessel and cover up until cooled as desired. 

These tables consist of mixtures having the power of generating or 
creating cold, with or without the aid of ice, sufficient for all useful 
and philosophical purposes, in any part of the world at any season: 

FREEZING MIXTURES WITHOUT ICE. 


MIXTURES. 


Muriate of ammonium.5 parts ) 

Nitrate of potassium. 5 parts > 

Water.16 parts ) 

Muriate of ammonium. 5 parts'] 

Nitrate of potassium..5 parts [ 

Sulphate of sodium. 8 parts j 

Nitrate of ammonium. 1 part ) 

Water. 1 part J 

Nitrate of ammonium. 1 part ) 

Carbonate of sodium. 1 part > 

Water. 1 part ) 

Sulphate of sodium. 3 parts ) 

Dilute nitric acid. 2 parts ) 

Sulphate of sodium. 6 parts') 

Muriate of ammonium.4 parts I 

Nitrate of potassium.2 parts [ 

Dilute nitric acid. 4 parts J 

Sulphate of sodium. 6 parts ) 

Nitrate of ammonium. 5 parts > 

Dilute nitric acid. 4 parts ) 

Phosphate of sodium. 9 parts £ 

Dilute nitric acid. 4 parts j 

Phosphate of sodium. 9 parts 1 

Nitrate of ammonium.6 parts > 

Dilute nitric acid. 4 parts ) 

Sulphate of sodium. 8 parts ) 

Muriatic acid. 5 parts ) 

Sulphate of sodium. 5 parts ) 

Dilute sulphuric acid. 4 parts ) 


Thermometer 

Sinks. 

Degree of 
cold 

Produced. 

From +50° to +10° 

40 

From +50° to +4° 

46 

From +50° to +4" 

46 

From +50° to —7" 

57 

From +50° to —3" 

53 

From +50° to —10” 

60 

F'om +50° to—14° 

. 64 

From + 50° to —12 ° 

62 

From +50° to —21° 

71 

From +50° to 0° 

50 

From+50° to +3° 

47 







































AND GKEAT PHYSICIANS. 


71 


FREEZING MIXTURES WITH IOE. 


MIXTURES. 

Thermometer 

Sinks. 

Degree of 
cold 

Produced. 

Snow or pounded ice. 

Muriate of sodium. 

2 parts ) 

1 part ) 

. to —5° 

<D 

.. 

Snow or pounded ice. 

Muriate of sodium. 

Muriate of ammonium. 

5 parts ) 
2 parts > 

. 1 part ) 

1 

| to —12° 

p. 

•• 

Snow or pounded ice. 

Muriate of sodium. 

Muriate of ammonium. 

.Nitrate of potassium. 

24 parts'] 
10 parts 1 

5 parts f 
5 parts J 

a 

© 

E? to -18° 

3 

s 

o 

& to —25° 

•• 

Snow or pounded ice. 

Muriate of sodium. 

Nitrate of ammonium. 

12 parts 1 

5 parts > 
5 parts ) 

•• 

Snow. 

Dilute sulphuric acid. 

3 parts > 

2 parts ) 

From +32° to —23° 

55 

Snow. 

Muriatic acid. 

8 parts l 
5 parts ) 

From +32° to —27° 

59 

Snow. 

Dilute nitric acid. 

7 parts ) 

4 parts ) 

From +32° to —30° 

62 

Snow. 

Muriate of calcium. 

4 parts l 

5 parts ) 

From +32° to —40° 

72 

Snow. 

Crystallized muriate of cal¬ 
cium . 

2 parts) 

3 parts ; 

From +32° to —50° 

82 

Snow. 

Potash. 

3 parts) 

4 parts 5 

From +32° to —51° 

83 


COMBINATIONS OF FREEZING MIXTURES. 


MIXTURES. 

Thermometer 

Sinks. 

Degree q f 
cold 

Produced. 

Phosphate of sodium. 

Nitrate of ammonium. 

Dilute nitric acid. 


From 0° to —34° 

34 

Phosphate of sodium. 

Nitrate of ammonium. 

Dilute nitric acid. 


From —34° to —50° 

16 

Snow... 

Dilute nitric acid. 


From 0° to —46° 

46 
















































72 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Coastal)); Water Paths. 

[American Chemical Journal .] 

The following simple form of constant water bath, which wastes no 
water, I have found to be very convenient: 

A tube of glass or metal, not less than % of an inch internal diameter, 
the ends of which are cut off obliquely, is bent as shown in the cut. It 
should make an angle of about 30 deg., or a little greater, with the hori¬ 
zontal. The angle may be diminished if the bore of the tube is in¬ 
creased. One end is inserted in the water bath, the other in an inverted 
bottle. The height of the water in the bath is regulated by the depth of 
immersion of the tube in it. The boiling is not interrupted by the 
feeding, which takes place slowly and regularly. It is necessary that 
the ends of the tubes should be cut off obliquely. The same form of 



tube answers equally well for keeping a constant level in a filter or dry¬ 
ing chamber. 

A brass tube is much better than a glass one, as it does not crack at 
the water level after using for a time. Brass tubes can easily be bent 
by ramming full of sand, stopping the ends, and bending them over a 
curved surface. A large number of baths can be run by this apparatus 
by connecting them with a bath fed by it .—Charles T. Pomeroy. 

Note.— We have used for a number of years in this laboratory a form 
of constant water bath which was contrived by Mr. Edward Bogardus, 
formerly chemist to the New Jersey State Geological Survey. As I have 
not seen it descri bed in print, and as it is cheap, simple, efficient, and 
ingenious, I will draw attention to it here. 














AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


73 


The following cut represents the apparatus: 



It consists of two tomato cans connected by a tin tube. Into one of 
the cans a bottle of water is inverted. We generally use a five-pound 
acid bottle. The other can makes the bath. This bath can be left run¬ 
ning over night without fear. A large number of baths can be run by 
this contrivance by simply connecting them, by means of rubber tubes, 
with a reservoir replenished by an inverted bottle. Old fruit cans make 
excellent baths. A series of holes can be punched round the lower edge 
of a fruit can, thus affording a distributing reservoir. Corks holding 
short pieces of glass tube are inserted into the holes. By means of 
these the reservoir can be connected by rubber tubes with a number of 
baths at quite a distance. The baths are made by punching a hole near 
the lower edge of a fruit can and inserting a cork and short piece of 
glass tube. When the extra vents of the reservoir are not used, they can 
be closed by a short rubber coupling and a pinch cock .—Peter T. 
Austen , Chemical Laboratory of Rutgers College (New Jersey State 
Scientific School ). 


Silos aij«l Ensilage. 

The practice of preserving roots, vegetables, and plants by covering 
them with earth or by placing them in cellars, etc., is an ancient one, 
but the practical application of the principle on a large scale to the 
preservation of fodder-corn, clover, etc., as a food for stock is compara¬ 
tively a recent practice, the first silo in this country having been built 
within the last twelve years. Previously, however, the French and English 
gave the subject considerable attention, but it seems that within the 
last two or three years our American experimenters have made great 
improvements in the process and construction of the silo by which more 



























74 


SECRETS OE WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


successful results have been attained than ever before and have awakened 
much interest among the progressive class of farmers and stock-growers 
throughout the country. 

A number of the Agricultural Experiment Stations located in the 
different States, particularly those of Wisconsin, Illinois, and also the 
Agricultural College at Guelph, Ontario, have made extensive applica¬ 
tions of the process. Several articles from them detailing the success 
of the experiments for the past season have appeared in the columns of 
The Breeder's Gazette of this city. Through the courtesy of the editor 
and Prof. W. A. Henry of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Sta¬ 
tion we are enabled to present full instructions in regard to construct¬ 
ing and filling a silo. These, with clippings which we include from the 
writings of others high in authority on the subject, contain as full an 
account of recent experiments as we can give with our limited space. 

“Agriculture never took a longer stride in advance than it did when 
the silo was added to the practical equipment of the farm. Most of us 
were slow to realize this at first, and a great many are yet unwilling to 
concede the advantages claimed for the silo, but the utility of the modern 
silo cannot be gainsaid, for without it we are left at the mercy of the 
elements in the handling of our great corn crop, There was much truth 
in the statement that the silo as first introduced was too expensive for 
the average farmer, but in no department of the farm has there been 
such a change of opinion and methods of attaining desired results as is 
the case with the silo. The modern wooden building is not only less 
expensive but vastly superior to the original cellar or stone structure 
and every year’s experience is throwing light in hitherto dark places, so 
that in a short time the progressive dairyman or beef-raiser will think 
no more of filling his silo than our fathers did of filling the barn with 
hay, and with proper facilities for handling the corn no part of the silo 
work will be as hard as pitching hay over the ‘big beam.’ ” * * * 

Supt. Adams , Wis. Agr. Exp. Station. 

* * * A silo is a place where fodder is preserved in a succulent 
condition. It may be a pit, a box, a mow, a tank, a building, or a trench 
in the earth. Silage is the word denoting the fodder so preserved. En¬ 
silage is the term applied to the process or system. Ensile is the verb 
expressive of the action of making silage. Ensilor stands for the per¬ 
son using the silo to ensile fodder for silage by the process of ensilage. 
— Prof. James W. Robertson , Ontario Agr. Col., Guelph. 

* * * I further believe that our present knowledge of the silo and 
the best methods of storing crops therein is not perfect, and that we 
will make great advancement in the future; but that we have reached a 
point where this method is within the possibilities of our average farm¬ 
ers, and it is this class most of all that needs this method. The time 
has come when we must produce more beef, butter, wool, and pork to 
the acre or sink beneath the wave of competion that is driving over our 
land. The silo seems to be a valuable and important means to this end. 
— Prof. W. A. Henry. 


AND GKEAT PHYSICIANS. 


75 


CONSTRUCTING THE SILO.—BY PROF. W. A. HENRY. 



A 100-TON DOUBLE SILO. 

“Silos are like houses, no two individuals can agree upon the same 
plan; for this reason I approach this branch of the subject with no ex¬ 
pectation of pleasing all or of giving directions for making a perfect 
structure. I deem it best to give a description of one way in which a 
double silo may be built and leave it to the reader to introduce such 
modifications in the plan as may best meet his particular wants and 
circumstances. The drawing herewith presented shows an ideal two- 
room silo 16 feet wide, 32 feet long, and 16 feet to the eaves. Built as 
described each room would have a capacity of over 3,000 cubic feet which 
would contain about 50 tons of settled ensilage weighing 35 pounds to 
the cubic foot. We may say then that this figure represents a 100-ton 
silo. For the foundation of this structure either brick or stone may be 
used, going deep enough to avoid heaving by the frost and rising 6 
inches or 1 foot above the surface of the level ground about it. Upon 
this wall a sill should be laid which had best be constructed of 2x10 
inch plank. One of the difficulties in silo construction is to avoid 
spreading of the building, which sometimes occurs through lateral 
pressure of the contents when settling. For this reason the sills must 
be well tied together at the corners; instead of using square timbers, 
which are greatly weakened by cutting, plank may be substituted and 
the corners of the sill constructed as in Fig. 2. If well spiked there 
will be no danger from spreading at the corners. The plank of which 
the sills are constructed should be at least 8 inches wide; 10 would be 
































































































76 


SEOUETS OF WISE MEN, OHEMISTSj 


better. By using four of these, lying one on top of another, the sill will 
be 8 inches thick. Midway between the ends of the building a cross 
wall should be built, and on this a sill should be laid upon which to 
erect the partition which divides the silo into two compartments. This 



FIG. 1. 

cross wall should be so worked into the side walls as to hold them 
securely, and thus prevent the silo from spreading on the sides. A little 
ingenuity will make the foundation and sills secure. If possible the 
sills should be as wide as the wall upon which it rests, but if this cannot 



fig. 2. 

be conveniently done the wall of stone or brick should be raised above 
the ground but a very few inches at most, as the ensilage in settling on 
the shoulder made by the jutting wall is almost certain to spoil at that 
point. Having laid the sill upon the wall in the manner described 



proceed to erect the building by standing 2x8 or 10-inch studding per¬ 
pendicularly upon this sill, placing them not further apart than every 16 
inches, so that a sheet of tarred building paper will lap two studding in 
each case. The reader is cautioned to measure the building paper care- 


























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


77 

fully before setting up the studding, as it ife sometimes scant in width 
and trouble will occur when one attempts to tack on the paper. Double 
the studding at the corners. In the illustration of the building I have 
not placed the proper number of studding, but the reader can rest 
assured that once in 16 inches is not too often. Having placed our 
studding in position and secured them by a plate running around the 
top we are ready for the rafters. Fig. 3 shows how these rest upon the 
plates and how they are tied together so as to least interfere with the 
filling of the silo. For a cheap silo boards may be used, though proba¬ 
bly shingles are the cheapest in the end. In the roof upon one side 
place a dormer window at D in the illustration; this window is immedi¬ 
ately over the partition. It is intended that the ensilage carrier shall 
pass up through the window so that the ensilage will fall over the par¬ 
tition and can be deposited in either one of the two compartments by 
means of a slanting chute. If one does not wish to undergo the expense 
of the dormer window a scuttle in the roof is all that is necessary. The 
roof is the same as for any building. 

“We are now ready to sheathe the silo; let us begin on the inside. 
First of all tack tarred building paper to the studding, running the 
strips up and down and -having them catch on every third studding. 
Avoid all openings or rents in the paper. Having placed the paper take 
common boards dressed on one side and sheet up to the top of the stud¬ 
ding. When this is completed repeat the operation by placing a second 
layer of boards over the first, breaking joints. Narrow boards are 
preferable to wide ones for this work, as they will swell without bulg¬ 
ing. We have double-boarded the inside of our silo by this operation, 
and rendered it practically impervious to the air. I see no reason for 
using anything but common lumber for this purpose, as upon swelling 
it will close up tight enough to keep out the air. Upon the outside of 
the studding tack building paper again, as shown at Fig. C in the first 
illustration. Over this paper place any kind of boards that the fancy 
of the builder may dictate, as clapboards, shiplap, or drop-siding. It 
will be seen that our walls are constructed as follows, beginning at the 
outside: First, siding; second, building paper; third, a dead-air space 
of 8 or 10 inches; fourth, building paper; fifth, common boards; sixth, 
common boards. No sawdust, tanbark, or other filling should be used, 
as a dead-air space is a better non-conductor for our purpose and less 
expensive than any of these. The partition can be built of narrower 
studding than those used on the sides of the building, and one thickness 
of boards used on each side, together with building paper, as in the first 
instance, is sufficient. To prevent lateral pressure bulging the silo two 
iron rods should be run through the partition walls joining the sides of 
the building, placing one about two feet above the partition sill and the 
other about four feet above that. Half or three-fourths-inch rods with 
heavy caps at the ends should be sufficient, and are easily put in place 
before the boards are tacked to the partition. 

“Two doorways should be left by cutting out a single studding in each 
compartment upon the most convenient side. These doorways reach to 


78 


SECEETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

within three feet of the ground, and should be about seven feet in 
height. They need not reach to within five feet of the top of the build¬ 
ing. The ensilage will settle in the silo several feet, and when the time 
comes to pass it out through the doorway it takes but little time to dig 
down two or three feet to the top of the door and make an opening large 
enough to pass out the upper layer. Fig. 1 shows one of the ways in 
which a doorway may be made so that it can be boarded up air-tight. 
Instead of making solid doors hung on hinges I think it is better to use 
boards that will fit in crossways, making them double thick, and having 
the inside board even with the inside boarding of the silo, as shown in 
Fig. 1. Do not make the doorways over 6 or 7 feet in length vertically, 
as in all cases they weaken the structure. Endeavor to have the in¬ 
side of the silo smooth and perpendicular from top to bottom, with no 
jogs or shoulders upon which the ensilage can catch or drag. 

“If built above ground fill the rooms of the two compartments with 
earth until the surface is three or four inches above the outside level, so 
that no water will at any time enter to injure the ensilage that rests on 
the ground. I do not yet know which is the best method of preserving 
the silo from decaying. This is an important branch of the topic, but 
it has thus far received little attention. Some have recommended using 
kerosene for an inside coating. We shall try that this season, and also 
gas or roofing tar, which I think will be excellent. This roofing tar 
when heated becomes liquid, and can be applied with a mop to the in¬ 
side of the silo. As soon as it cools it hardens into an impervious 
glossy layer that I should think eminently adapted to this purpose. 

“Having no ceiling or floor, and being built of common material, 
there is no necessity for the silo being an expensive structure. Of course 
the reader will modify the description given to suit his own wants and 
circumstances, but I can assure him that in some such way he can pro¬ 
vide a silo at no great expense. 

“After the structures built for the special purpose comes the modifi¬ 
cation of building already erected. A great many farmers are building 
over bays in their barns for silos. This is easily accomplished by placing 
studding all around the bay and double boarding on the inside. If one 
fears cold weather he can make a dead-air space by using two sets of 
studding and boarding on the inside of the bay. Stone buildings can 
be converted into good silos by furring out and double boarding on the 
inside. In general I am adverse to stone structures for this purpose 
unless thus boarded. Some kinds of stone seem to do very well, but 
stone walls carry off the heat and moisture too rapidly to make good 
silo walls. If one wishes to try preserving corn-fodder and cannot 
afford a structure of wood, he can excavate a pit in the earth and bury 
the corn-fodder therein, though I am sure he will soon give up this 
practice as unduly expensive. 

“A word in regard to the location of the silo. It may be built ad¬ 
joining the feeding barn with the doors so placed that the ensilage be 
conveyed directly to the cattle, or if that is not possible, place it where 
the ensilage can be conveyed by a car or cart. Mr. Hiram Smith of this 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS, 


79 


State, who has large silos and uses ensilage extensively, holds that it is 
not inconvenient to have the silo located a few rods from the feeding 
barn. The ensilage is pitched into a cart with forks and the cart driven 
into the feeding barn between the two rows of cows which stand facing 
each other. The ensilage is placed in front of the animals directly from 
the cart with great rapidity. In some cases a car can be used which can 
be run down grade into the barn in front of the cattle. I think either of 
these methods is preferable to attempting to carry ensilage in baskets 
any distance. 

FILLING THE SILO. 

“Probably very few stone silos will be built in the future, for experi¬ 
ence shows that a stone wall chills the ensilage during the curing 
process and if it does not seriously injure that portion next to it to a 
thickness of several inches it renders it at least less palatable than en¬ 
silage nearer the middle of the silo. One reason, in my judgment, that 
the silo has not won more friends in the Eastern States is owing to the 
common use of stone in its construction. On our experimental farm at 
Madison our first silo, built m 1881, was of stone, and our conclusions 
in regard to ensilage were made up from results obtained with this silo; 
had we put up a wooden structure I am confident our results would 
have been worth vastly more to our people than they have been. 

“The question of stacking ensilage is sometimes raised, being urged 
upon our people by the practice of our English friends, who are experi¬ 
menting quite largely in this direction. It will be no more profitable 
to stack ensilage in the Northern States than to stack hay, and even 
less so in my judgment, for the waste would be very considerable and no 
one would relish the job of handling it during bad weather. Silos built 
of wood or made by changing over the bays of barns are the proper 
structures, judging from our present knowledge, for the Northern 
States; our friends at the South may find stacking successful. 

“Having constructed the silo somewhat after the one described, 
though, be it remembered, large latitude is allowed in this matter, we 
will proceed to fill it with one of the two crops most suitable for the 
purposes; clover or fodder-corn. If clover is to be used I would recom¬ 
mend that a hay-loader be tried for the purpose of picking it up just as 
left by the mower. I have hopes that some form of hay-loader will do 
this work satisfactorily. The clover, either fresh or partly wilted, in 
any degree of dryness indeed, may be carried at once and unloaded into 
the silo, care being taken to fill and tramp down the corners and along 
the edges so that when all has thoroughly settled there will be no air 
spaces to favor decay. To fill a silo with clover is indeed a most simple 
process. By having two divisions the pits can be filled alternately, each 
layer of material heating up to the required temperature before the next 
is placed over it. 

“For fodder-corn the processes are a little more complex, though in 
reality very simple. The fodder-corn should be allowed to approach 
jnaturity, the best point for cutting being not far from that at which we 


80 


SECEETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


would ordinarily cut any shock. By this I do not mean to allow the 
leaves to become dry and crisp, but rather that they show a change from 
deep rank green to that yellowish tinge indicative of maturity, though 
with still an abundance of moisture in them. Formerly ensilage corn 
was cut shortly after the tassel appeared. Without doubt very consid¬ 
erable loss was incurred by such a practice. 

“It is evident that if we cut our fodder at the time the corn is glazing 
our practice is as near correct as the present stage of investigation 
points out. Since the period ot filling the silo will occupy several days, 
or even a couple of weeks, we must gauge the date of commencement to 
strike the best average conditions. For cutting the fodder some parties 
recommend the use of the reaper, but I judge from what I have been 
told that a good many rakes have been broken in attempting the work, 
and that many have given them up and gone back to the use of the corn 
knife. Such must be the case usually, at least where large varieties of 
corn are grown. The stalks should be cut close to the ground and 
thrown into bundles or gavels. If the weather is at all threatening I 
think it proper to cut and shock, since the fodder will dry off much 
more rapidly if rain falls, and it will not be so muddy and disagreeable 
to handle as when laid on the ground. 

Last season the writer urged that the fodder be wilted before it was 
put into the silo, and his own experience, with that of many others, 
corroborates this method of procedure, which has the additional ad¬ 
vantage that less water is handled in the operation. If it is intended to 
allow the fodder to wilt the corn had better be cut and shocked, after 
which it may stand from three to ten days, depending upon the maturity 
of the stalks at time of cutting and the weather. If the fodder dries out 
rapidly, from four days to a week is amply long for it to stand in shock, 
while if the weather is somewhat damp or the fodder quite green it may 
even stand ten days with no loss. One of the advantages of cutting and 
shocking is that when it is over the force of men employed in this 
operation can be changed to fiJling the silo. If the corn is cut and 
placed in the silo at once quite a force of hands is needed, but by cutting 
and shocking first we can avoid this double force. 

“For drawing to the silo truck wagons are better than ordinary ones, 
since the fodder is more easily loaded upon them. The common prac¬ 
tice is to attach a plank to the rear of the wagon, up which the men can 
walk with their arms full of fodder, which should be placed with tops 
all one way for ease in unloading. If the fodder is to be put through 
the feed-cutter the cutter should be placed so that the carrier will deposit 
it in either of the two pits as required. Formerly the carriers were so 
constructed that they would not work advantageously at a much greater 
angle than 45 deg., but now I note that some manufacturers have them 
arranged to carry almost vertically. 

“In regard to the kind of feed-cutter to be used, it maybe said that 
there are several valuable machines before the public, any one of which 
will prove satisfactory if properly managed. The only point I desire to 
urge is that a large machine be purchased, one having about double the 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


81 

advertised capacity. Small cutters are a nuisance; hand-power cutters 
are out of the question. The cutter should be driven by three horses on 
a sweep power or two on a tread, or by a steam engine. Many farmers 
delay ordering the cutter until within a week or two of the time to fill 
the silo and are obliged to wait weeks until it is received, thereby suffer¬ 
ing great inconvenience and loss. As soon as the question is settled in 
favor of having a silo a cutter should be selected and ordered, and it 
should be set up and run in a test trial not less than a week before 
actual filling is contemplated, so that repairs or changes can be made. 
To run a feed-cutter properly requires considerable experience and 
some knowledge of machinery, and many persons have suffered serious 
losses by not giving this side of the subject due attention. 

“This brings me to a point in the discussion of considerable interest 
to many persons who desire to have silos but dread the experience and 
expense of machinery. Corn-fodder may be preserved in a perfectly 
satisfactory manner without running it through the feed-cutter, and 
may be drawn from the field and deposited directly in the silo. The 
expense of putting corn-fodder through the feed-cutter, first and last, is 
not far from half of all that incurred from the time of cutting the fod¬ 
der to closing the silo. To fill the silo with long fodder let it be drawn 
in the usual manner and lifted at once into the pit, which can be accom¬ 
plished in several ways, either by hand or the horse hay-fork carrier 
and slings. In the silo it should be distributed evenly and probably 
had better be placed in regular layers, lapping “shingle fashion” so 
that it will settle evenly. 

“The use of long fodder for the silo has been urged with considera¬ 
ble vigor by Mr. I. J. Clapp of Kenosha, Wis., one of The Breeder's 
Gazette's correspondents, and I think much good has resulted from his 
advocacy. There is no doubt but that long fodder will keep just as well 
as that which is cut up, and I am not at all certain but such ensilage is 
even better in some cases than that made by cutting up the stalks into 
small pieces. When cut into small pieces the fodder is considerably 
bruised, and there is much more exposure of the juices to the air than 
there is where whole fodder is used. My attention was called to this 
point by a recent letter from Mr. Clapp, and I hope we can make some 
observations on the subject in the future. At any rate let those parties 
who either from choice or necessity do not wish to use the feed-cutter 
hesitate no longer in regard to the silo if they wish to try it, but go 
ahead and place the whole fodder in one, and I am confident they will 
not be disappointed in its feeding qualities. The only difficulty with 
long fodder comes at the time it is to be taken out for feeding purposes; 
then if large varieties have been used the man who attempts to get it 
out of the silo will need strong muscles and a large degree of patience 
to enable him to tug at the compact mass, which is quite difficult to 
manage. Twenty-five cows will eat up the ensilage about as fast as one 
man can get it out. It may be just as economical, however, to put two 
men into the silo for an hour or two each day during the winter, when 
labor is cheap, to get out the ensilage as it is to use more expensive 
0 


82 SECBETS OE WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

labor in the fall to accomplish the extra work of running the feed- 
cutter. 

“Slow filling is without doubt the best method for securing good 
ensilage, no matter what material we are using, be it clover, long fodder- 
corn, or fodder cut fine. When the pit has been filled three or four feet 
deep no more should be placed within it until this layer has heated to 
the neighborhood of 125 deg. Fahrenheit. Mr. John Gould of Ohio, who 
has been a deep student of this subject from the practical side, I believe 
holds that the ensilage should be allowed to pile up as it falls from the 
carrier, and after the pile has heated to the right temperature it should 
be distributed evenly over the silo, throwing that which is hottest to the 
corners and along the walls. It is certain that ensilage usually heats up 
easily and rapidly except in the corners and along the walls, where we 
find the temperature does not rise so rapidly nor to the same degree as 
it does in the body of the silo, and anything that will help us overcome 
this lack will improve its quality, and I deem Mr. Gould’s suggestion a 
valuable one. No packing down is needed except in the corners and 
along the walls; at these points we endeavor to firm the ensilage just as 
much as possible. I wish we could avoid this operation, and in the 
future we may do so. I believe the ensilage would be better without any 
tramping and packing if we could only get it to settle uniformly with¬ 
out. We should endeavor to secure an elevation in temperature of from 
120 to 110 deg. uniformly throughout the mass of material. If the con¬ 
tents of the silo heat up to different degrees in different places we can¬ 
not expect them to be uniform in quality, though all will be eaten by 
the stock. The theory advanced by Mr. Fry of England that a tempera¬ 
ture of 122 deg. Fahrenheit destroyed the ferment that produced the 
temperature seems hardly correct, for we find that the tempera¬ 
ture goes on beyond this very rapidly—indeed, it is often very diffi¬ 
cult to hold it below 140 or 150 deg., while in other cases I have 
known silos in which I could detect no faulty handling of the crop that 
would not heat to 120 deg. A case in point occurred last season; while 
we were busy filling our silos at the experimental farm I was called to 
the telephone by a young farmer living some thirty miles away who 
asked several questions about temperatures. I answered him to the 
best of my ability and the matter dropped from my mind. A couple of 
hours afterward, however, the party himself appeared on the scene in a 
troubled state of mind; he said he feared that he could not make his 
case plain through the telephone, and so had come on the first train to 
consult personally. His ensilage would not heat up to 120 deg., but was 
moulding badly instead. I advised that he go on filling the silo, ignor¬ 
ing the temperature question entirely. He did so, and in the winter re¬ 
ported satisfactory results. In my opinion we have much to learn in 
regard to this ferment, and that very close, patient study will be required 
to bring out the scientific side in a satisfactory manner. Fortunately 
we do not have to be very particular in our practice to obtain a very 
good quality of ensilage. I would advise, therefore, that a person 
allow the temperature to run from 120 to 140 when the thermometer is 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


83 


buried a foot deep in the fodder; but when these conditions are not 
obtained, no matter whether the degree be lower or higher, to go right 
on without feeling anxious in the matter. If the contents of the silo 
do not heat at all, or if the temperature gets up to 160 deg., the cattle 
will still eat the ensilage without complaint and relish it better than 
average dry fodder. I speak pretty positively upon this point because 
novices find it difficult to get over it and become quite excited and 
nervous if they cannot attain the exact directions given by most writers 
on this subject. The best rule is to go ahead, do the best one can, and 
the cattle will be very well satisfied with the result. Remember that 
the experience of a single individual or a single season may be no 
criterion for other cases. The reasons for these great variations are not 
yet apparent. 

“Silo filling may go on for two or three weeks, or until the pits are 
filled, when they should be covered after standing a day or two to allow 
the last layer to heat. For covering material there may be placed over 
the ensilage building paper upon which may be placed sand, earth, 
chaff, cut straw, marsh hay, long straw, sawdust, or almost any material 
which will help keep out the air. If one wishes the pits may be left un¬ 
covered, in which case something like a foot of the ensilage will decay 
and form a covering and protection for that beneath. The practice of 
weighting the silo is now largely abandoned, though I am not certain 
but what some heavy material along the edges and in the corners will 
aid in saving the ensilage at those points, since it is here that the con¬ 
tents do not settle so well as does the body of the material. For a few 
weeks after filling the sides and corners should be tramped down occa¬ 
sionally to aid them in settling.” 

PLANTING, CUTTING, FEEDING, ETC. 

The following extracts from “Bulletin No. 2,” Illinois Agricultural 
Experiment Station, by Thomas F. Hunt, answers some important 
questions in regard to planting, etc.: 

“The filling of the silo was practically continuous, and was done in 
three days, Aug. 20 to 22, 1887, with 54,525 lbs.—twenty-seven and a quar¬ 
ter tons—of green corn. About twenty tons of this consisted of a medium 
sized, fairly early yellow dent corn (Murdock), which had been planted 
May 4 to 6, in rows 3 feet 9 inches apart, with two to three kernels 
dropped every 9 to 12 inches in each row. At the time of cutting the 
'stalks had well-formed but small ears, the kernels of which had largely 
passed the milk state; that is, the kernels were mostly glazed. The 
lower leaves were yellowish, and some had begun to dry. The growth, 
though not large, was thought satisfactory, considering the long-con¬ 
tinued and severe drouth that had prevailed here. The yield was not 
more than seven tons of fresh fodder per acre. Seven tons consisted of 
a large, late maturing yellow dent corn (Learning), which had been 
planted May 28, 1887. The kernels were in the milk and the leaves were 
entirely green. No marked difference was noted between the ensilage 
from this and that from the other corn. * * * 


84 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


“Feeding the ensilage was begun March 10, 1888, by mixing it with 
twice its bulk of dry, cut corn-fodder, not corn-stover, which our 6tock 
had been chiefly fed during the winter. The cattle soon learned to like 
the ensilage, and after the first week it was fed without mixing with any 
other substance and was eaten rather better, on the whole, than corn- 
fodder had been previously. 

“Dairy weights of ensilage fed to the stock were not taken. From 
what weighing was done it is estimated that from March 17 to April 30 
700 lbs. on an average were fed daily. During this time the following 
cattle were given ensilage: March 17 to April 30 two aged and five 
yearling bulls, one heifer, and one dry cow were fed ensilage, hay, and 
grain; eight milch cows, ensilage, straw, and grain; ten dry cows and 
five heifers, ensilage and straw. March 17 to April 16, three steers were 
fed ensilage and corn. April 13 to 30, four heifers and two dry cows 
were fed ensilage and hay. It will thus be seen that for 45 days 37 head 
were, on an average fed 700 lbs., about 19 each, daily. Of these 15 had 
ensilage and straw only; 8 had ensilage and straw with grain, usually 
four quarts of bran added daily; and 9 ensilage, hay, and grain. All 
thrived exceedingly well considering the amount of food eaten.” 

For information as to the results of future experiments with ensilage 
we refer the reader to the various State Agricultural Experiment Sta¬ 
tions and the authorities here quoted. 


PART II.—STAGE ILLUSIONS. 


The Three-jieaded Woijtai}. 

In the booths of the market fairs at Paris and its suburbs (for ex¬ 
ample, at the “Gingerbread” Fair, at the F6te of St. Cloud, etc.), and in 
the tricks of jugglers, etc., who operate in the street, caf6 concerts, or 



circuses, we find phenomena that have a true scientific interest, in¬ 
genious applications of different sciences, or simply tricks that puzzle 
the spectator. Since, in general, people like to know the secret of what 

(85) 





























86 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


has surprised them, it may not prove uninteresting to devote a few 
articles to what may be called “side-show science.” We will first 
speak of the process employed to produce the “three-headed woman.” 

The exterior of the little booth in which this phenomenon is exhib¬ 
ited is covered by a large painted canvas representing a three-headed 
woman in evening costume in a richly decorated drawing-room along 
with a few persons. For better convincing the curious a photograph 
taken from nature exhibits the phenomenal woman as she appears in 
the show; and every now and then the showman stops his drum to cry, 
“She is living, ladies and gentlemen, she is living!” If we allow our¬ 
selves to be persuaded to enter the booth we shall find ourselves sepa¬ 
rated from the stage by a balustrade—a sort of screen, behind which is 
the curtain. In a few moments the latter separates and there is dis¬ 
tinctly seen a woman’s body, the lower part of which is hidden by a 
basket of flowers. This body has three heads; one in the middle and 
two others grafted at the base of the neck of the first. These three heads 
move their eyes, answer together a few questions put by the showman, 
stick out their tongues, sing a few snatches of a popular song, and 
finally salute the audience, when the curtain closes and the show is 
over. 

On almost every occasion some ingenious person is heard to express 
pity for this unfortunate person, who has no legs and three heads. This 
is the best praise that could be bestowed on the trick—for naturally it 
is only a trick. Moreover the showman is ready, for money, to explain 
how it is done. If we allow ourselves to be tempted, and enter the side- 
scene, we perceive on the little stage where the phenomenal woman just 
appeared nothing but a large plate of glass, slightly inclined toward the 
audience, and its edges hidden by drapery. Behind the mirror there is 
a recess whose sides are covered with a dead-black fabric. In front of 
the mirror, on the stage, sits the basket of flowers from which issued 
the woman’s body. Then on an inclined board a little above the ground 
lie three young girls. One of these, the middle one, is clothed in a 
brilliant costume of silk of a light color, and it is 6he who, in the exhi¬ 
bition, makes the trunk, arms, and the middle head. Her legs are 
covered over with a black fabric, and she is supported by a cushion so 
as to permit the two other girls to place their necks closely against hers. 
The bodies of these two girls at the sides are completely covered with a 
fabric of a dead-black color. In front of these three young women are 
placed a dozen strong kerosene lamps provided with reflectors. 

' The heads, hair, and arms of the “body” are covered with powder, so 
as to present completely white surfaces. Such is the secret as revealed 
from the side-scene, and it will now be understood how the phenomenon 
is produced. All the white or light-colored surfaces being strongly 
lighted by the lamps that reflect the light, their image is sent by the 
glass toward the spectators, who perceive then the body of the female, 
her two arms, and her three heads. All the portions covered with black 
are, on the contrary, absolutely invisible in the glass, and the spectators 


ND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


87 


cannot see that they exist. The phenomenon is, on the whole, a carious 
application of the effects of reflection which were in fashion some 
twenty years ago under the name of “living ghosts,” and by means of 
which it was possible in theaters to cause the apparition, alongside of 
living persons, either of undecided forms or of bodies not resting on 
the ground. 

The “Gingerbread” Fair this year showed a two-headed woman pro¬ 
duced by a slightly different process, the body and head of the woman 
being seen directly, and the second head alone being seen by reflection 
from a glass. This phenomenon may be varied to infinity, so to speak. 
To cite only a few examples, there may be produced by the same process 
a decapitated person who talks; a decapitated person who holds his 
head in his hand, and a Judith and Holofernes, the head of the latter 
being held by the hair by the former.—La Nature. 


The MysterioUs Voice, 

“Some time ago,” says a correspondent of La Nature , “I was walk¬ 
ing around in a side show in which were exhibited mechanical portraits, 



FIG. 1.—THE SPEAKING HEAD. 

when I was surprised to hear myself called: ‘Monsieur! Monsieur!’ * * * 
I discovered that the voice came from a tin trumpet, which was held in 
the mouth of a negro’s head ma'de of wood, and suspended by a small 
brass chain from semicircles of iron supported by a wooden frame” 
(Fig. 1). The effect produced on the spectators by this speaking head 
was one of universal astonishment, and no one was capable of solving 





































88 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


the mystery. The arrangement for producing the illusion is very simple, 
however, and is thus explained by the writer above referred to: 

A person hidden behind the scenes speaks into a tube two or three 
centimeters in diameter which runs from that point to the wooden 
frame, and in the interior of the horizontal and upright pieces of which 



FIG. —THE SPEAKING GLASS CASE. 


it passes till it reaches the suspended head at A, as shown by the dotted 
lines, E, D, C, B, A. The voice thus transmitted is reflected from the 
sides of the trumpet, H, to the person holding a conversation with the 
head. 



FIG. 3.— THE INVISIBLE GIRL EXPERIMENT. 

This experiment, which is analogous to the one that precedes, was 
explained by Nicholson, in 1832, in his Journal de Physique. Although 
at first offered as a physical experiment, under the title of an “experi¬ 
ment in acoustics,” it has since changed name and master, and is now 
dignified by the imposing nam of “invisible girl.” 













































































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


89 


Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the original apparatus, which con¬ 
sisted of a glass case, X, about four feet long by about one in height, 
suspended from the ceiling by four chains at a distance of a foot from 
the window frame. From the extremity of the case projected a speak¬ 
ing trumpet, and the entire apparatus was surrounded by a latticework 
of iron wire to prevent its being touched by the hands of the curious. 
The phenomenon, although a puzzling novelty at the time, did not 
attract much of a crowd, as it was not managed with sufficient address, 
and the surroundings were not of a nature to please fashionable people. 
This apparatus was improved upon and rendered more elegant in ap¬ 
pearance by Prof. Robertson. Fig. 3, copied from an old engraving, 
shows this latter arrangement. A globe, A, made of glass or enameled 
sheet iron, and to which are attached four trumpets, is suspended from 
the middle of the room. This globe is not necessary for the experiment, 
but is only an accessory to impose upon the imagination. Around it is 
placed a framework, B, which is very necessary, tor it is hollow, and it 
is through it that the voice of the invisible person is heard. A tin tube 
passes through the upright C and then runs to D, where there is a small 
slit or aperture opposite the trumpet. This tin tube passes under the 
floor of the room, and runs into the neighboring room, whence the pre¬ 
tended invisible person speaks, and sees everything through the keyhole 
or through an aperture in the wall. This is all there is of the mystery. 


Aij lijiproVeck Psycho. 

Let me explain to those who have not seen “Psycho” that it consists 
of a small figure dressed as a Turk, sitting cross-legged (as shown by 
dotted lines) on a chest; this chest is in turn supported on a glass tube, 
about 12 in. in diameter and 3 ft. long, which rests on a four-legged 
stool. The bottom of chest and top of stool are covered with green 
cloth, so as to make a tolerably air-tight joint. The right arm is ex¬ 
tended as per drawing, and a semicircular rack, in which are placed the 
13 cards dealt to “Psycho,” is fixed by means of a bracket (not shown) 
in such a position that the edges come between the finger and thumb, as 
shown at * . The arm turning horizontally on the pivot A, the hand can 
be brought over any card, and by closing the finger and thumb and rais¬ 
ing the arm the card will be withdrawn from the rack and held in the 
air. 

In Figs. 1 a and 16 (elevation and plan) the wheels E and M have 
each a train of clockwork (left out for the sake of clearness), which 
would cause them to spin round if unchecked. M, however, has two 
pins, pp\ which catch on a projection on the lever, N. E is a crown¬ 
wheel escapement—like that in a bottle roasting-jack—which turns A 
alternately to the left and right, thus causing the hand to traverse the 13 
cards. A little higher on A will be seen a quadrant B (see plan) near 
the edge of which are set 13 little pins. The end of the lever N drops 


90 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


between any two of them, thus causing the hand to stop at any desired 
card. The lever being pivoted at c it is obvious that by pressing the 
end, N, B will be set at liberty, and the hand will move along the cards; 
by slightly raising it this motion will be arrested; by raising it still 
more the pin p is released and M commences to revolve, and by again 
depressing N this wheel will in its turn be stopped. Near the bottom 
of the apparatus is a bellows O, which contains a spring tending to keep 
the lever N, with which it is connected by a rod X, in the position shown. 



This is connected with the tubular support, which may be connected by 
a tube through the leg of the stool, and another tube beneath the stage, 
with an assistant behind the scenes. By compressing or exhausting air 
through this tube it is obvious that the lever, N, will be raised or de¬ 
pressed, and the clockwork set going accordingly, a is a crankpin set 
in M, and connected with the head by catgut, T, and with the thumb 
by 8. 

At R and R' are two pulleys connected by gut. Thus if the hand 
moves round the head appears to follow its motions, and when raised by 




















AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


91 

palling S the head rises also by means of T. Farther explanation 
seems almost unnecessary; l is a stop to prevent the elbow moving too 
far, and b b spiral springs to keep thumb open and head forward 
respectively. When N is raised M pulls T and 8, the latter closing 
thumb, and then raising arm by pulley H. If the lever is allowed to 
drop p ' will catch and keep arm up. On again raising N the arm will 
descend. 


FIG. 2. a. 



Figs. 2a and 2b show another and simpler arrangement, in which 
only one train of clockwork is used. On the same axle as H is fixed a 
lever and weight, W, to balance the arm. A vertical rod, X, having a 
projection, Z, slides up and down in guides, Y Y, and carries the catgut 
8 and T. The quadrant, B , has cogs cut, between which Z slides and 
stops the motion of A, which is moved, as before, by clockwork. The 



lower part of X is connected direct with 0. When X is slightly raised, 
as shown, A is free to move, but on exhausting air and drawing X down 
Z enters the cogs and stops the hand over a card; continuing to exhaust 
the thumb closes and the card is lifted up. The details of the clock¬ 
work I leave to the ingenuity of your readers. There should be a fan on 
each train to regulate the speed. The figure should be so placed that 











92 SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

your assistant can sea the cards in the semicircular rack .—English 
Mechanic. 


Magic GabiijeiiSj poXes, Etc* 

Magic cabinets are much employed by magicians. The following is 
an example of one of the scenes that may occur with them: 

When the curtain rises there is seen in the center of the stage a large 
dark colored cabinet, ornamented with mouldings, and mounted upon 
legs that are a little longer than those of ordinary cabinets, the object 
being to remove all possibility of a communication with the stage be- 



fig. 1. 

neath. These legs are provided with casters. The showman turns this 
cabinet around and shows that there is nothing abnormal about it ex¬ 
ternally. He then asks some of the spectators to come up close to it, 
and lets them examine its interior, which is entirely empty. There is 
no double bottom, nor any hiding place. When the witnesses have 
made themselves certain of this fact they station themselves around the 
stage, and a certain number of them even consent to remain behind the 
cabinet and see nothing of the experiment. The cabinet being thus 
surrounded on all sides, and even one being able to look under it, fraud 
would seem to be an impossibility. 

A young woman dressed as a danseuse then comes onto the stage and 
enters the cabinet (Fig. 1), and the doors are closed upon her. In a few 
moments the doors are opened again, when, lo and behold! the closet is 







































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


93 


empty, the young woman having disappeared. Then the doors are closed 
again, and then opened, and the danseuse makes her appearance; and 
so on. At the end of the experiment the witnesses examins the cabinet 
again, and, finding nothing changed therein, are justly stupefied. 

In another style of cabinet there is no bar in the center, as shown in 
Fig. 1, but there is observed on one of the sides in the interior a bracket 
a few centimeters in length, and back and above this a shelf. This 
arrangement permits of performing a few experiments more than does 
the one just described. Thus, when the woman has disappeared the 
showman allows a young man to enter, and ho also disappears, while 
the young woman is found in his place. This is a very surprising sub¬ 
stitution. 

The box into which the harlequin takes refuge, and which appears to 
be empty when Pierrot or Cassandra lifts the curtain that shields its 
entrance, is also a sort of magic cabinet. 

In a series of lectures delivered a few years ago at the London Poly¬ 
technic Institution, a professor of physics unmasked the secret of some 
of the tricks employed on the stage for producing illusions, and notably 



that of the magic cabinet. The lecturer, after showing the cabinet and 
causing the disappearance therein of an individual while the doors were 
closed, repeated the same experiment with the latter open. But in the 
latter case so quick was the disappearance that the spectators could not 
even then see how it was done. 

The illusion produced by these apparatus is the result of a play of 
mirrors. 

In the first cabinet described (Fig. 1), when the exhibitor has closed 
the doors upon the young woman, the latter pulls toward her two 
mirrors that are represented in Fig. 2 by the lines G G. These mirrors 
are hinged at O O, and when swung outward rest by their external edges 
against the bar P, and then occupy the position shown by the dotted 
lines G' G\ When the cabinet is again opened the woman, placed at A, 
is hidden by the two mirrors; but the appearance of the interior of the 
cabinet is not changed, since the spectators see the image of each side 
reflected from the corresponding mirror, and this looks to them like the 
back of the cabinet. 








94 


SECBETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


The illusion is perfect. When the experiment is ended and the 
mirrors are again swung against the sides, at G G, the spectators see 
nothing but the backs of them, which are covered with wood; the cab¬ 
inet is really empty, and no one can discover what modification has 
taken place in its interior during the disappearance of the woman. 

In the second arrangement, which is shown in vertical section in 
Fig. 3, the young man gets up onto the shelf c n , at the upper part of 
the cabinet, by the aid of the bracket T, and then pulls down over him 
the mirror b c, which was fastened to the top of the cabinet. This 
mirror being inclined at an angle of 45 deg. reflects the top, and the 
spectators imagine that they see the back of the cabinet over the shelf 
just as they did before. 

The box which the harlequin enters is based upon precisely the same 
principle. Its interior is hung with paper banded alternately blue and 
white. When the harlequin enters it he places himself in one of the 



FIG. 3.—SECTION EXPLANATORY OF THE CABINET. 

angles and pulls toward him two mirrors which hide him completely, 
and which reflect the opposite side of the box, so that the spectator is 
led to believe that he sees the back of it. In this case one of the angles 
at the back of the box is not apparent, but the colored stripes prevent 
the spectator from noticing the fact. 

The Magic Portfolio. 

This is an apparatus which an itinerant physicist might have been 
seen a few years ago exhibiting in the squares and at street corners. 
His method was to have a spectator draw a card, which he then placed 
between the four sheets of paper which, folded crosswise, formed the 
flaps of his portfolio. When he opened the latter again a few instants 
afterward the card had disappeared, or rather had become transformed. 
Profiting then by the surprise of his spectators the showman began to 
offer them his magic portfolio at the price of five sous for the small size 
and ten for the large. 

The portfolio was made of two square pieces of cardboard connected 





AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


95 


by four strings, these latter being fixed in such a way that when the two 
pieces of cardboard were open and juxtaposed the external edge of each 
of them was connected with the inner edge of the other. 

This constituted, after a manner, a double hinge that permitted of 
the portfolio being opened from both sides. To one pair of strings 
there were glued, back to back, two sheets of paper, which, when 
folded over, formed the flaps of the portfolio. It was only necessary, 
then, to open the latter in one direction or the other to render it impos¬ 
sible to open more than one of the two sets of flaps. 

This device is one that permits of a large number of tricks being 
performed, since every object put under one of the sets of flaps will ap¬ 
parently disappear or be converted into something else, at the will of 
the prestidigitator (Fig. 4). 


Magic Envelopes. 

This trick is a simplification of the foregoing. The affair consists of 



FIG. 4.— MAGIC PORTFOLIO, ENVELOPES, AND BOXES. 

several sheets of paper of different colors folded over, one upon the 
other. A card inclosed within the middle envelope, over which have 
been folded all the others, is found to have disappeared when the flaps 
are opened again. The secret of the trick is very simple. One of the 
inner sheets of paper—the second one, usually—is double, and, when 
folded, forms two envelopes that are back to back. It is only necessary 
then to open one or the other of these latter to cause the appearance or 
disappearance or transformation of such objects as have been inclosed 
within it. (Fig. 4.) 























96 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Magic Boxes. 

Mkgic boxes are of several styles, according to the size of the objects 
that one desires to make disappear. 

There is no one who has not seen a magician put one or more pigeons 
into the drawer of one of these boxes, and after closing it open it to find 
that the birds have disappeared. Such boxes contain, as shown in Fig. 
4, two drawers, which, when pulled out, seem to be but one; and it is 
only necessary, then, to pull out the inner one or leave it closed in order 
to render the inclosed birds visible or invisible. 

In order to cause the disappearance of smaller objects trick perform¬ 
ers often employ a jewel box, and, after putting the object (a ring, for 
example) into this, they hand it to some person and ask him to hold it, 
requesting him at the same time to wrap it up in several sheets of paper. 
But this simple motion has permitted the performer to cause the ring to 
drop into his hand through a small trap opening beneath the box. Yet, 
while he is doing this, the spectators think that they hear the noise 
made by the ring striking against the sides of the box. But that is only 
a delusion; for the noise that is heard proceeds from a small hammer 
which is hidden within the cover under the escutcheon, and which is 
rendered immovable when the latter is pressed upon by the performer. 
The box can thus be shaken without any noise being heard within it, 
and the spectators are led to believe that the object has disappeared. 

Double-bottomed boxes are so well known that it is useless to de¬ 
scribe them. Sometimes the double bottom is hidden in the cover, and 
at others it rests against one of the sides. Such boxes permit of the 
disappearance or substitution of objects that are not very thick, such as 
a note, an image, or a card.—Da Nature. 


The Swii)gii)g half Lady. 

An arrangement is made similar to a hammock, which is attached 
to the back of the cabinet, and is then affixed to a false wooden bust 
made to fit the bust of the lady. It should be thickly padded where the 
part of her body rests upon it, and should be tightly strapped to the 
lady across the shoulders and back. The bust is covered with silk, 
satin, or any fine dress material, and trimmed to represent a lady’s low- 
necked dress bodice with short shoulder sleeves. The remaining por¬ 
tion of the lady is encased in a dark-colored skirt (black velvet is the 
best), and her feet are firmly strapped to a wood rest at the back of the 
cabinet, as shown in Fig. 2. The bust is supported upon a swing, in the 
front of the cabinet. Four brass chains support a slab of wood about 
28 inches long by about 8 or ten inches in width. 

Midway up the chains at each side is a cross piece of wood fixed to 
the chains by which, when the lady grasps them with her hands, she can 
easily lift the bust from the wood slab, allowing a sword to be passed 
beneath the bottom of the bust and the top of the wood slab. When the 


AND GREAT? PHYSICIANS. 


97 


lady is supported upon the swing she cannot swing forward , but can 
only swing with a slight sideway motion, because if she attempted to 
swing forward the slab of wood would then no longer support the bust, 
and the performer would be in danger of breaking her back, as she 
would have no other support to sustain her, except the back of the cabi¬ 
net to which her feet are strapped. 

The slab of wood forming the swing is made in some cases with two 
half-round holes, to allow the lady to place her hands through, to show 
that she can pass her hands beneath her. 



FIG. 1. 

The interior of the cabinet should be of one uniform color, if possi¬ 
ble of a dark blue or dark maroon. It should be about six feet in depth 
by about five to seven feet across the front, according to fancy. The 
front should have either dark blue, maroon, or green baize curtains, so 
made as to draw right across. On each side of the cabinet are affixed 
two lamps, as in Fig. 1, with large plated reflectors about 10 or 12 inches 
in diameter. These should be so fixed that the curtains can be drawn at 
7 










98 


SEOKETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


the back of them; and thus, when lighted, reflect a strong and powerful 
light outward , throwing the interior of the cabinet into deep and gloomy 
shadow. It must be evident, therefore, to the reader that the four lamps 
and reflectors play a very important part in making this illusion perfect, 
because in consequence of a strong, bright, and dazzling light being re¬ 
flected into the eyes of the spectators it is impossible for them to dis¬ 
tinguish anything inside the cabinet, beyond the bust and head of the 
lady. 

The position for the lady performing is one of pain. In the first 



place she has to be tightly strapped to the bust, which causes difficulty 
in breathing and talking; and, again, the head must be held well back 
to make it appear from the front as if the false bust and neck were com¬ 
pletely one and upright. 

Many ladies performing this illusion cannot help showing in their 
look the pain and suffering they are experiencing even when before their 
audiences, thereby spoiling the effect the illusion would have had if 
their features had been composed and the face wreathed with smiles. 























AND GBEAT PHYSICIANS. 


99 


The Aerial Slispeijsfoi}- 

This trick has been before the public for many years, but when per¬ 
formed still causes considerable sensation. The apparatus required is, 
first, a kind of iron corset, for which the performer doing this trick 
must be properly measured and accurately fitted with it, according to 
his or her size and build. This corset is strapped upon the body, and 



attached to it is a rod passing down the right side from beneath the arm, 
almost to the right knee. Below the arm is a projecting piece so made 
as to fit into a socket, and almost in the shape of a crutch; and the rod 
passing down the side of the performer is so constructed that when a 
person has this apparatus strapped securely upon him or her, and the 
projecting piece under the arm is fitted into the socket of the pole, the 
body can be raised, and the toes in rising will describe an arc of about 
90 deg., assuming the position shown in the figure. To effect this two 
poles are required of the same length, oue made of wood and the other 

; 

i * 

- 

> 









100 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


of iron; the latter being fitted into a socket in the stand, and having 
also a socket in the top, in which is fixed the projecting piece under the 
arm, and this rod therefore supports the whole weight of the body dur¬ 
ing the performance. The two poles are both painted the same color, 
and to the audience both appear to be the same. 

The performer will have to provide a specially made costume to suit 
the working of the apparatus. The young lady (we will imagine that it 
is a lady who performs this suspension feat) is brought forward by the 
professor, and the two rods are shown, and a stool is placed on the stand 
on which the lady steps. The iron rod is now placed in position and 
fixed under the right arm, and the wood rod is placed under the left; the 
professor, now making a few passes with his hands, apparently sends 
the lady performer into a mesmeric sleep, and gently draws the rod from 
under the left arm and lays it down. Making a few more passes he 
gradually raises the body of the lady into a horizontal position, and she 
will appear to be suspended almost in the air. With a little practice 
the body can be placed into any position. When the lady has been sus¬ 
pended long enough, make a few more passes and gently lower the body 
until in an upright position, and again place the wood rod under the left 
arm and place the stool beneath her feet, and taking a handkerchief 
wipe the lady’s face, and she will appear to awaken and will step down 
from her exalted position. 

An improvement has lately been introduced in the apparatus; the 
iron column is hollow, and through the center another rod is worked 
from beneath the stage, and in the socket of the iron rod at the top are 
placed a number of teeth which catch corresponding teeth in the pro¬ 
jecting piece under the arm, and this being worked from below the stage 
will cause the body of the lady to slowly rise into a horizontal position 
without being so placed by the professor. This is certainly a very great 
improvement in the mode of working, as while the professor simply 
makes a few passes with his hands the body gradually rises, apparently 
to the audience without any visible means whatever. 


The Ghost Illusion- 

This illusion, which created so much sensation in London and first 
known here as “Pepper’s Ghost,” I will endeavor to explain, and make 
the working of it as clear as I possibly can to the reader. It is caused 
by the figure of a man or woman being reflected upon a sheet of glass, 
and the audience looking through this glass, apparently see the figure 
upon the stage, but in reality it is not so, being only upon the glass. In 
the first place a sheet of plate glass perfectly clear and without a blem¬ 
ish must be procured, and of such a size that it will show the image or 
reflection of the performer who impersonates the ghost. This glass is 
fixed at the front of the stage and inclined slightly toward the audience. 
In front and below the stage a chamber is made, completely concealed 


AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 101 

from the eyes of the audience, but having an opening at the upper part, 
through which the reflection of the person below is thrown upward upon 
the sheet of glass. The reader can understand the position better by 
referring to the accompanying cut. The body of the person to be re¬ 
flected is against an inclined plane, which is covered with black cloth. 
This inclined plane is fixed upon castors, and the person leaning against 
it, moving this slightly with his feet, either to the right or left, will 
cause it to appear as if the ghost was either walking forward or back¬ 
ward. Below the stage a person is placed with a powerful lantern, and 
the light from it is thrown upon the figure representing the ghost, thus 
causing it to be reflected strongly and brightly against the glass fixed 
above. The stage must be darkened and dimly lighted, otherwise the 
ghost will hardly be visible. In making various motions of the body 
the ghost actor mast reverse his movements; for example, if he raises 



his left arm the figure reflected above will appear to raise its right arm. 
The glass, as I stated before, must be without a blemish, and fixed at an 
angle of 20 deg., inclining forward toward the audience, and the nearer 
the audience are seated to it the larger the glass must be. The size of 
the glass depends upon the height of the figure to be reflected 
and the 6ize of the stage and the theater or hall in which it is exhibited. 
This again will be understood by referring to the figure, in which A rep¬ 
resents the eyes of that part of the audience seated in the lower portion 
or body of the hall, while B represents the eyes of those who are seated 
in the boxes or gallery, thus showing the angle by which the height of 
the glass is determined, as the angles of incidence are always equal to 
the angles of reflection; and the same angles of incidence are likewise 
equal to the corresponding angles of the reflected figure. 

This illusion was invented in 1863 by Prof. Pepper, by whom it was 
patented, and for a long period it was exhibited at the Polytechnic in 








102 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


London, in various forms and guises, and drew thousands from all 
parts to see this wonderful exhibition. Although it cannot now be 
classed as a “novelty,” yet it still creates a great sensation whenever and 
wherever it is exhibited. 

[If the reader desires to pursue this subject further he is referred to 
“The Art of Modern Conjuring,” by Prof. Henri Garenne, to whom we 
are indebted for much that we present here. Ward, Lock & Co., pub¬ 
lishers, New York and London.] 


PART III.—MEDICAL 


Prescriptions of Ei}tii}ei}fc 
Physicians. 


ARRANGED AND REVISED BY 
FRANK V. L USE, M. D., Chicago , III. 


AUTHORITIES. 


Agnew. 

Hazard. 

Atthill. 

Hebra. 

Bartholow. 

Liebreich. 

Basham. 

Luse. 

Beasley. 

Bibron. 

Mackenzie. 

Brande. 

Milton. 

Browne. 

Mitchell, R. W. 

Brown-Sequard. 

Pancoast. 

Chapman. 

Porcher. 

Da Costa. 

Ricord. 

Dewees. 

Ringer. 

Ellis. 

Schafhirt. 

Smith. 

Fenner. 

Squibbs. 

Gerhard. 

Tanner. 

Getchell. 

Thornton. 

Gross. 

Trousseau. 

Guy. 

Hartsliorne. 

Waring. 


(103) 





104 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

Albuminuria (Bright’s Disease). 

# 

R Tincturae Ferri Chloridi.f 3iij. 

Acidi Acetici diluti.f 3ij. 

Syrupi simplicis...f ?iss. __ 

Liquoris Ammonii Acetatis.q. 8. ad f 3iv.—M. 

Sig. Take a dessertspoonful every six hours. Basham. 

Alcoholism (Chronic). 

R Tincturae Capsici. 

Tincturae Zingiberis.'. .35 f 

Tincturae Valerianae ammo. 

Tincturee Gentianae comp.55 f 3ij.—M. 

Sig. Take a dessertspoonful in a teacupful of hop tea three or four 
times a day. Gerhard. 

Amenorrhcea (Absence of Menstrual Flow). 

1} Myrrhae.gr. viij. 

Pulveris Jalapae.gr. xv. 

Fern Sulphatis exsiccatae. 

Pulveris Aloes et Canellae.33 3j. 

Sprupi simplicis.q. s. 

Fiat massa et divide in pilulas 1. 

Sig. Take two or three pills at bedtime, for several nights succes¬ 
sively. N. Chapman. 

Asthma. 

R Potassii Iodidi.3iij. 

Extract! Belladonnas fluidi.f 3j. 

Extracti Lobelhe fluidi.f 3ij. 

Extracti Grindeliae fluidi...f ^ss. 

Glycerinae. 

Aquae destilatae.5a f siss.—M. 

Sig. Take a tablespoonful every two, three, or four hours, as neces¬ 
sary. Bartholow. 


R Foliorum Belladonnas. 

Foliorum Hyoscyami.35 gr. iij. 

Extracti Opii aquosi.gr. one-fifth. 

Aqu® Laurocerasi.q. s. 

Moisten the leaves with a solution of the opium extract in the cherry- 
laurel water. Let them dry thoroughly and roll into a cigarette. Two 
to four of these cigarettes may be smoked every day. Trousseau. 

Biliousness. 

R Resinae Podophilli.gr. i 


Extracti Colocynthidis composite.. 

Gambogiae.53 gr. iiss. 

Olei Juniperi.q. s. 

Misce et fiant pilulae No. ii. 

Sig. One dose, at bedtime. Guy. 


Burns and Scalds. 

R Plumbi Carbonatis. 

Olei Lini. 

Tere simul et fiat pinguentum. 

Sig. Apply liberally on linen or lint. 


5iv. 
q. s. 


Gross. 

































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 105 

1$ Acidi Salicylici.3j 

Olei Olivee.f 5viij.—M. 

Sig. Apply to burn, covering with linen or lint. Bartlioloxv. 

Biliary Calculi (Stone in the Bile Duct). 

R Chloroform! purificati.3ij. 

Olei Cinnamomi.gtt. viij. 

Spiritus Camphor®... 

Tinctur® Opii deodorat®.35 f 3iss. 

Spiritus Yini.f 3iij.—M. 

Sig. Dose, from five to thirty drops, in sweetened water, every hour 
or two. Hartshorne. 

Renal or Yesical Calculi (Stone in Kidney or Bladder). 

R Liquoris Potass®.f ?ss. 

Tinctur® Humuli.f ?iss. 

Infusi Calumb®..f ?iv. 

Syrupi Aurantii Corticis.f lij. 

Fiat mistura. 

Sig. Take a tablespoonful three times daily. H. Green 

Cancer. 

R Arsenici Iodidi.-..gr. j. 

Extracti Conii.3ij. 

Fiat massa, et divide in pilulas xvi. 

Sig. Take one pill morning and night. Marsden. 

Carbuncle. 

R Quinin® Hydrochloratis.gr. xxiv. 

Patassii Chloratis.3ij. 

Acidi Hydrochlorici. til xl (!) 

Tinctur® Ferri Chloridi.f 3ij. 

Tinctur® Cardamomi.f liss. 

Aqu® destillat®.q. s. ad f 5vj.—M. 

Sig. Take a tablespoonful every three hours, diluted. Gerhard. 
Nasal Catarrh. 

R Sod® carbonatis. 

Sod® biboratis.aa 3 ij. 

Liq. sod® chlorinat®— ..3 ss.-3ij. 

Glycerini... 1 j. 

Aqu®.ad l vj.—M. 

Sig. Apply cold by means of a hand-spray apparatus. 

Pugin Thornton. 

R Borax....3 iij. 

Salicylic acid.3 ij. 

Glycerine.3 ijss. 

Water, to make..5 iij- 

Sig. From one to two drachms in one-half pint of water, applied by 
means of a douche. Is especially useful in catarrh with ulceration, 
usually due to syphilis. 

For simple catarrh use the following: 

R Chloride of ammonium. 

Borax.iia gr. x. 

Aqu®.Oss.—M. 

Sig. Use with a douche, spray-producer, or by means of insufflation. 

Lennox Broivne. 


































106 


SECRETS OP WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 
Cholera. 


1$ Tinct. Opii. 

Tinct. Capsici. 

Spts. Camphorae.35 5j. 

Chloroformi.t 3iij. 

Alcoholis.q. s. ad. 3v.—M. 

Sig. Dose five drops to one teaspoonful. Squibbs. 


In time of epidemic cholera, or diarrhoea, when any person has two 
movements of the bowels more than natural within the twenty-four 
hours, the second one should be followed by a dose of this mixture to be 
repeated after every movement that follows. If the movements in¬ 
crease in frequency or in copiousness after the second dose of the med¬ 
icine has been taken a physician should be sent for at once, and a 
double dose be taken after each movement until he arrives. Immedi¬ 
ately after taking the first dose the person should go to bed and remain 
there for twelve hours after the diarrhoea has entirely ceased. 


3 Acidi Sulphurici.3ss. 

Morphinae Sulphatis...gr. }. 

Spiritus Yini Gallici.f 3iss. 

Aquae destillatae...f 5iij.—M. 


Sig. Inject under the skin of the arms, legs, and over the stomach 
every hour until the symptoms are relieved. ( When rice-water dis¬ 
charges , vomiting , cramps , and shrinkage of the extremities supervene.) 

R. W. Mitchell , Memphis , Tenn. 


^ Creasoti.gtt. j. 

Aquae Camphorae. 

Infusi Gentianae compositi.35 f 3vj.—M. 


Sig. One dose every two hours. (In the cold stage.) 

J. T. Jones , Nashville , Tenn. 


Cholera Infantum. 

3 Plumbi Acetatis.gr. viij. 

Acidi Acetici diluti.gtt. vj. 

Tincturae Opii deodoratae..gtt. iv. 

Syrupi simplicis.... 

Aquae Menthae piperitae.35 f ?ss.—M. 

Sig. Dose a teaspoonful every two or three hours. (For a child two 
years old.) Da Costa. 

3 Cannabis Indices..gr. j. 

Pulvens Opii. ..gr. ss. 

Camphorae.gr. ij. 

Misce et fiat pilula. 

Sig. Take at bedtime. Lombe Atthill. 

Constipation. 

3 Extracti Stillingiae fluidi..f 3v. 

Tincturae Belladonnas. 

Tincturae Nucis Vomicae. 

Tincturae Physostigmatis.55 f 3j.—M. 

Sig. Dose, twenty drops in water, three times a day before meals. 
(In habitual constipation.) Bartholoio. 

3 Cascara Cordial.3ij. 

Sig. Teaspoonful three times a day before meals. Luse. 



























AND GEEAT PHYSICIANS. 


107 


General Debility. 

R Pulveris Aloes Socotrinse. 

Pulveris Zedoarise. . . . 

Pulveris Gentians© . ...'..".'. .'. 

Croci...’ 

Pulveris Rhei. .7 !!. 7 . 7 . 7 .' 

Agarici. . 7 . 7 . 7 . 7 . 7 . 7 . 

Spiritus Yini Gallici. . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Macera per dies septem, cola, et adde— 

Syrupi simplicis. 

Sig. Dose, a'tablespoonful three times a day in water, 
celebrated Baftme de Vie, or Elixir of Life.) 


■li. 


.53 3j. 

Oij. 

f 5ij—M. 
(This is the 


Delirium Tremens. 

R Quininse Hydrochloratis.3ij. 

Acidi Hydrochlorici diluti..f 3iss. 

Syrupi Zingiberis...f 3iss. 

Aquse destillatsB.q. s. ad f 5iv.—M. 

Sig. Dose, a dessertspoonful in hop tea every two hours. (In the pre¬ 
liminary stage known as horrors.) Gerhard. 


R Chloral Hydratis.3ss. 

Aquae destillatse.f 3ij.—M. 

Sig. One dose. (To enforce sleep.) Liebreich 


R Antimonii et Potassii Tartratis.gr. j. 

Tincturse Aconiti Radicis.f 3ss. 

Tincturse Opii.f 3ij. 

Aquse destillatse.q. s. ad f ?iv.—M. 

Sig. Dose, a dessertspoonful in porter every two or three hours. (In 
strong and robust patients with boisterous delirium.) Ringer. 


Diarrhoea (Children.) 

R Bismuthi Subnitratis.gr. x. 

Pulveris Calcii Phosphatis.gr. xij. 

Sacchari Lactis....3ss. 

Misce et fiant chartulse No. x. 

Sig. One powder after each evacuation. (In wasting diarrhoea of 
children.) Hazard. 


R Sodii Bicarbonatis.3ss. 

Tincturse Catechu.. ; .f 3ij. 

Syrupi Rhei aromatici. 

Tincturse Cinchonse compositse.aa f5ss. 

Tincturse Opii camphoratse.f lj.— M. 

Sig. Dose, for a child two or three years old, a teaspoonful. every two 
or three hours. Getchell. 


Diarrhoea (Adults). 


R Cupri Sulphatis. 

Morhinse Sulphatis...55 gr. j. 

Quininse Sulphatis.gr. xxiv. 


Misce et fiant pilulse No. xii. 

Sig. Take one pill three times a day. (In chronic cases). 

Bartholow 































108 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


9 Pulveris aromatici... .3iij. . 

Spiritus Ammonii aromatici.f 3iij. 

Tincturee Catechu.f 3x. 

Tincturee Cardamomi composites. f 3vj. 

Tincturee Opii deodoratee.f 3j. 

Misturee Cretee.q. s. ad f ?xx.—M. 

Sig. Dose, eight drachms for an adult; four drachms for a child of 
twelve years; two drachms for seven years old, after each liquid motion. 
(General cholera and diarrhoea mixture.) HeneryBeasley 


Dysentery. 

3 Tincturee Opii deodoratee.f 3ij. 

Vini Ipecacuanhee..f 3ij. 

Olei Ricini...f ?ij. 

Pulveris Acaciee. 

Sprupi simplicis. 

Aquee Cinnamomi.aa q. s. 

Fiat emulsio, secundum artem, ad f Ivj. 


Sig. Take a tablespoonful every two hours. Gerhard. 

R Tincturee Hamamelis.f 3ss. 

Elixiris simplicis.f 3iiiss. 

Syrupi simplicis.f 5ss. 

Aquee destillatee. f fj.—M. 


Sig. Dose, a teaspoonful every two or three hours. ( Where there is 


much blood.) 


Ringer. 


Dysmenorrhoea (Difficult Menstruation.) 


R Camphoree.3j. 

Alcoholis.q. s. ut fiat pul vis. 

Dein adde— 

Pulveris Acaciee. 

Sacchari albi.5S 3j. 

Aquee Cinnamomi.f 5j. 

Fiat mistura. 

Sig. Dose, the one-half the instant pain is felt; if not relieved in an 
hour or two, give the remainder. Dewees. 


R Extracti Gelserpii fluidi.f 3iiss. 

Elixiris simplicis.f 3vss. 

Syrupi Aurantii Corticis.f5j.—M. 

Sig. Take a teaspoonful every two hours. Porcher. 


R Tincturee Opii deodoratee.f 3ij. 

Extracti Cimicifugee.f 388 . 

Syrupi simplicis.f 3x.—M. 

Sig. Take a teaspoonful every three or four hours. ( To restore the 
menstrual flow after suddenly checked.) Ringer. 

Dyspepsia. 

R Pulveris Radicis Rhei.3j. 

Pulveris Aloes. 3 ij. 

Sodii Bicarbonatis. 3 ij. 

Yalerianee contusee. 

Serpentariee contusee. 

Gentianee contusee. 

Quassiee contusee.^ss. 

Spiritus Frumenti.. Oij. 

Macera in vaso leviter clauso per horas bis quatuor viginta, et cola. 
Sig. Dose, a wineglassful three times a day. Liebreich. 





































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


109 


Epilepsy. 

3 Ammonii Bromidi. 

Potassii Iodidi. aa 3 viij. 

Potassii Bromidi. 3 vj. 

Sodii Bicarbonatis. 3 ij. 

Tincturae Calumbae.f % ij. 

Aquae destillatae.f svj.—M. 

Sig. Take a dessertspoonful after each meal, and a tablespoonful at 
bedtime. Brown-Sequard. 


Eyes (Inflammation of). 

3 Morph. Sulph....gr. iij. 

Zinci Sulph.gr. ij. 

Aquae destillatee.§j.—M. 

Sig. Apply two drops directly to the eye. Luse. 

Frost-bite. 


3 Iodi. 

Potassii Iodidi. 

Aquae destillatae. 

Adipis... 

Sig. Apply once daily. (With unbroken skin.) 


3j.. 
gr. lv. 


"Ivj. 

Sj.-M. 


Hebra. 


3 Fellis Bovini recentis.f 3iij. 

Balsami Peruviani.f 3j.—M. 

Sig. Apply two or three times a day. ( With broken or unbroken 
skin.) Hugh Smith. 


Gonorrhoea and Gleet. 


3 Liquoris Potassae.f 3j. 

Balsami Copaibae..f §ss. 

TincturaB Cubebae.-.f 3vj, 

Liquoris Morphinae Sulphatis.f §j. 

Aquae Camphorae..q. s. ad f §vj.—M. 

Sig. Take a tablespoonful four times a day. D. Hayes Agnew. 

3 Hydrastinae...3j. 

Mucilaginis Acaciae.f 5iv.—M. 


Sig. A half ounce as an injection. (In chronic gonorrhoea and gleet.) 

Bartholow. 


3 Zinci Sulphatis. 

Acidi tannici.53 gjr. xv. 

Aquae Rosae.f ?vj.—M. 

Sig. A half ounce as an injection two or three times daily. (In gleet.) 

Ricord. 


3 Morphinae Acetatis. 

Plumbi Acetatis. 

Zinci Sulphatis. 

Creasoti. 

Aquae destillatae. 

Sig. As an injection twice daily. 


...gr. vj. 

,.. 35 gr. viij. 
...gtt. viij. 

..f ?vj.-M. 
H. H. Smith. 


3 Zinci Sulphatis...5j. _ 

Aluminis.5iij.—M. 

Sig. Dissolve a teaspoonful in one pint of water and inject three 
times a day. ) In females.) Hazard. 


































. 110 SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Hay Fever. 

R Potasssii arsenitis.gr. xv. 

Aquae destillatae.f lj. 

Solve. 

Unsized white paper to be thoroughly moistened with this solution, 
cut into twenty equal parts, and each part rolled into a cigarette, two or 
three of which may be smoked daily. Trousseau. 

I 

1$ Tincturae Aconiti Radicis.f 3iss. 

Glycerini.f 3iiss.—M. 

Sig. Apply to outside of nose. Ringer. 

Headache (See Liniments). 

5 iEtheris.;. 

Spiritus Ammonias aromatici.55 f 3j. 

Aquae Camphorae — ..f 3x. 

Tincturae Cardamomi compositae.f 3j. 

Misce pro haustu. 


Sig. Take two to three times a day. (In nervous headache). 

Brande. 


R Atropinae Sulphatis.gr. 68. 

Chinoidinae... { ...3j. 


Misce et iiant pilulae No. lx. 

Sig. One pill twice or thrice a day, (In sick headache.) 

Bartholow. 


Hemorrhoids (Piles). 


^ Pulveris Jalapae 


Potassi Bitartratis... 

Potassii Nitratis.55 3ss. 

Confectionis Sennae.5j. 

Syrupi simplicis.q. 8. 

Misce et fiat electuarium. 

Sig. A bolus the size of a hazel-nut three times a day. Ellis. 


R Fluid Ext. Ohio Buckeye.. 
Fluid Ext. Horse Chestnut 

Alcohol. 

Water..... 

Simple Elixir. 

Sig. Dose, one teaspoonful. 


5iv. 

5 vi. 

Mackenzie. 


R Olei Theobromae.'..?ss. 

Extracti Krameriae.3ij. 

Pulveris Opii.gr. v. 

Misce secundum artem, et fiant suppositoria No. x. 

Sig. Use one morning and night. J. Pancoast. 


Impotence and Sexual Debility. 


R Pulveris Cantharidis.gr. xviij. 

Pulveris Opii. 

Pulveris Camphorae—«.55 gr. xxxvj. 

Confectionis Rosee.q. s. 

Misce et fiant pilulae No. xxxvi. 

Sig. Take one pill at night. (From general debility.) Hazard. 





























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. Ill 

Q Extracti Vanillae fluidi.f 5j. 

Sig. Dose, a teaspoonful at night. (In old people .) Gerhard. 

1$ Phosphori.gr. ss. 

.ZEtheris.'. . .£ 3ss. 

Solve, et adde— 

Tincturae Cantharidis... 

Tincturae Nucis Vomicae.55, f sss.—M. 

Sig. Take thirty drops three dr four times a day. Vogt. 

1J Fluid Ext. Damiana.1 ounce. 

Dialysed Iron. i ounce. 

Tinct. Cantharides. i ounce. 

Acid Phosphoric (diluted). i ounce. 

Lemon juice.. i ounce. 

Glycerin e. . .;.2 ounces. 

Simple Elixir, q. s. to make.1 pint. 

Sig. Dose, one teaspoonful three times a day. (Useful in all cases of 
aexual debility. A most efficient nerve tonic.) Kilner's Formulary. 

Leucliorrhoea. 

E Zinci Sulphatis. 

Aluminis.5a 3iss, 

Glycerini.f §vj.—M. 

Sig. Add a tablespoonful to a pint of water and inject night and 
morning. Hazard. 

Menorrhagia (Excessive Menstrual Flow). 

^ Tincturae Ferri Chloridi.f 3iiss. 

Acidi Phosphorici diluti.f 3iiiss. 

Syrupi Acidi citrici.'..q. s. ad f ?iv.—M. 

Sig. Take a dessertspoonful three times a day. (When pale and 
debilitated. Gerhard. 

3 Acidi Gallici.gr. xv. 

Acidi Sulphurici aromatici.iilxv. 

Tincturae Cinnamomi.f 3ij. 

Aquae destillatae..f ?ij.—M. 

Sig. One dose, to be taken every four hours until bleeding ceases. 
(In profuse bleeding.) Hazard. 

Neuralgia (See Liniments). 

5 Strychninae Sulphatis.gr. j. 

Morphinae Sulphatis. 

Acidi arseniosi.55. gr. iss. 

Extracti Aconiti.gr. xv. 

Quininae Sulphatis.3j. 

Misce et fiant pilulae No. xxx. 

Sig. Take one pill three times a day. S. D. Gross. 

Nymphomania (Excessive Sexual Desire). 

^ Potassii Bromidi.3vj. 

Aquae destillatae..f?v.—M. 

Sig. Three teaspoonfuls before dinner and four at bedtime. 

Broivn-SequUrd. 































112 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 
Rattlesnake Bite. 


^ Hydrargyri Chloridi corrosivi.gr. ij. 

Potassii Iodidi.gr. iv. 

Aquae destiliatae.TTlv. 

Solve et adde— 

Bromi.3v.—M. 

Sig. Take ten drops in a tablespoonful of wine or brandy every 
fifteen or twenty njinutes. ( Recommended by Bibron , Prince Paul of 
Wuertemberg , W. A. Hammond ,, and others.) Bibron. 


Rheumatism (See Liniments). 

IJ Sodii Bicarbonatis.3ij. 

Acidi Salicylici.3iij. 

Glycerini. 

Aquae destiliatae.35 f ?ij.—M. 

Sig. One teaspoonful every four hours. N. B. Kennedy. 

. IJ Pulveris Guaiaci Resinae. 

Potassii Iodidi..5a gr. x. 

Tincturae Colchici Seminis.f 3ss. 

Aquae Cinnamomi. 

Syrupi simplicis.55 q. s. ad f %j.— M. 

Sig. A dessertspoonful to a tablespoonful thrice daily. (In chronic 
rheumatism. Philadelphia Hospital. 

Sciatica. 


IJ Extracti Belladonnae. 

Extracti Stramonii. 

Extracti Cannabis Indicae. 

Extracti Aconiti. 

Extracti Opii... 

Extracti Hyoscyami. 

Extracti Conii. 

Pulveris Glycyrrhizae. 

Misce et fiat pilula. 

Sig. Take three, four, and even five pills a day. 
pro re nata. 


gr. one-sixth, 
gr. one-fifth. 

. gr. i. 

. gr. i. 
gr. i. 

■ gr. 4. 

•gr. j. 
q. 8. 


Broivn-Sequard. 


Spermatorrhoea (See Impotance). 


IJ Qaininae Sulphatis.gr. vj. 

Acidi Sulphuric! diluti.f 3j. 

Tincturae Cardamomi compositae.f 3iij. 

Aquae Cinnamomi.f 5vss.—M. 

Sig. Two tablespoonfuls twice daily. Milton. 

IJ Pulveris Opii..gr. v. 

Camphorae.3iv. 

Pulveris. Acaciae. 

Syrupi simplicis.55 q. s. 

Fiat massa in pilulas No. xl. dividenda. 

Sig. Take two pills three times a day. Waring. 

IJ Postassii Bromidi.?j. 

Aquae destiliatae.q. s. ad f $ij.—M. 

Sig. Take a teaspoonful three times a day. (In the strong and ple¬ 
thoric). Bartholoiv. 

































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


113 


Syphilis. 

“Ricord’s Mixture,” which has been so highly recommended in 
syphilitic affections is composed as follows: 

B Hydrarg. Iod. rub.gr. iy. 

Potass. Tod. 3 j. 

FI. Ext. Sarsap. comp. . . . . . . 

Aquae.q. s. ad fv.—M. 

Sig. Teaspoonful. 


B Potass. Iodid. 3 ij. 

Hydrarg. Biniodid. gr. sb. 


Tinct. Aurant. Cort. 3d. 

Aquae.ad 5iv.—M. 


Sig. Teaspoonful in water after eating. (Mixed treatment.) 

Keyes. 


B Hydrarg. Chlor. Corros.gr. ij. 

Potassii Iodidi.3ij. 

Tr. Cinchona Co.5ii. 

Aquae dist. lij— M. 

Sig. Take one drachm three times a day. Discontinue when gums 
get sore and resume again when soreness is gone. Luse. 


B Acidi Nitro-Muriatici diluti. f 3iiss. 

Syrupi StillingiaB compositi.f 3xiiiss. 

AquaB destillatae.f 5ij.—M. 

Sig. Dose, one to two teaspoonfuls three times a day, with denutri¬ 
tion. (In cases saturated with the approved remedies , hut still present¬ 
ing patches on the skin and mucous membranes. Bartholow. 


Tapeworm. 


B 


Granati Corticis Radicis. 

Seminum Peponis. 

Extracti Filicis maris aetherei 

Pulveris Ergotae. 

Pulveris Acaciae. 

Olei Tiglii. 


.? 88 . 

• 4 . 

. TRlJ. 


Thoroughly bruise the granate bark and pumpkin-seed, and with the 
ergot boil in eight ounces of water for fifteen minutes, and strain 
through a coarse cloth. Rub up well the croton oil and extract of male 
fern with the acacia, and form into an emulsion with the decoction. 


Take at one dose at 10 o’clock in the morning, having eaten no break¬ 
fast and having taken a full dose of Rochelle salts the previous night. 
This expels the worm alive and entire within two hours, the head firmly 
fastened to the side of its own body. Schafhirt. 


B Pulveris Kamalae.gr. v-x. 

Syrupi Aurantii Florum.f 3ss. 

Mucilaginis Tragacanthae.3j. 

Aquae destillatae .f lj. 

Misce et fiat haustus. 

Sig. Take early in the morning four hours after a purge. (For a 
child two to five years. Tapeworm.). Tanner. 

8 



























114 SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


m. 

gtt. 

3j. 

3j. 

f3j. 

5j. 

*5i. 

lbj. 


Oj. 

gr. 

BS. 


SYMBOLS OR SIGNS USED IN PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Minim, 1-60 part of a fluid drachm. 

Gutta, drop; guttae, drops. 

Scrupulua vel scrupulum, a scruple—20 grains. 

Drachma, a drachm=60 grains. 

Fluidrachma, a fluid or measured drachm. 

Uncia, a troyounce=480 grains. 

Fluiduncia, a fluidounce. 

Li bra, a pound, understood in prescription to apply to an fficinal 
Ijound of 5,760 grains. 

Octarious, a pint. 

Granum, a grain; plural grana, grains. 

Semis, half, affixed to signs as above. 


PHRASES AND ABBREVIATIONS USED IN PRESCRIPTIONS. 


LATIN WORD. ABBREVIATION. TRANSLATION. 


Ad libitum. 

Adde. 

Ampulla. 

Ana. 

Aqua-bulliens. 

Aqua-f erven s. 

Aqua-destillata. 

Bene. 

Bis in dies. 

Bulliat, bulliant... 

Cape. Capiat. 

Capsula. 

Ceratum. 

Charta (Karta) . 

Chartula (Kartula). 

Cibus. 

Cochleare magnum 
Cochleare parvum. 

Cola. Colatus. 

Collyrium. 

Collutorium. 

Compositus. 

Congius. 

Conf ectio.. 

Cortex. 

Cum. 

Decoctum. 

Dilute, Dilutus...... 

Dimidius. 

Divide. 

Dividendus. 


Ad lib 
Add... 


Aaa.... 

. Aq-bull 
Aq-f erv. 
Aq dest. 


Bis ind.... 

Bull. 

Cap. 

.Caps. 

Cerata_ 

.Chart. 

Chart. 

Cib. 

Coch mag. 
Coch parv 

Col. 

Collyr. 

Collut. 

. Co. Comp. 

C. 

.Conf. 

Cort. 


. Decoc 

Dil. 

Dim. 

D. Div_ 

. Dividend 


Dividatur in partes eequales.D in p seq 


Dosis. 

Emplastrum... 

Enema.. 

Extende supra 
Extractum.... 
Fac. fiat, fiant. 

Filtrum. 

Fluidus. 

Gargarisma... 
Glyceritum.... 
Gutta, Guttee.. 


Dos. 

Emp. 

. Enem. 

. Exten Sup. 

.Ext. 

F. 

Fil. 

.FI. f. 


Garg. 
Glyc. 
Gtt... 


To, up to. 

At pleasure. 

. Let it or them be added. 

. A large bottle. 

, Of each. 

. Water—boiling. 

. Water—hot. 

. Water—distilled. 

WeB. 

. Twice daily. 

. Let boil. 

Take, Let him take. 

, Capsule. 

A Cerate. 

.A paper (medicated). 

.A little paper for a powder. 

. Food. 

A tablespoon. 

A teaspoon. 

. Strain, Strained. 

. An eye wash. 

. A mouth wash. 

.Compound. 

.A gallon. 

. A confection. 

. Bark. 

.With. 

. A decoction. 

. Dilute. 

. One-half. 

.Divide (thou.) 

. To be divided, 
j Let it be divided into 
' l equal parts. 

.A dose. 

.A plaster. 

. An enema. 

. Spread upon. 

. An extract. 

. Make, Let be made. 

.A filter, Filter (thou). 
.Fluid. 

. A gargle. 

. A Glycerite. 

.A drop, Drops. 





















































































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


115 


LATIN WORD. ABBREVIATION. TRANSLATION. 

Guttatim.Guttat.Drop by drop. 

Haustus.Haust.A draught. 

In dies.Ind.Daily. 

Infusum.Inf.An infusion. 

Injectio.Inj.An injection. 

Instar.Inst.Like. 

Lac.Milk. 

Layena.A flask or bottle. 

Libra.Lb fi>.A pound. 

Linteum.Lint. 

Liquor.Liq.A solution. 

Lotio.A lotion. 

Mane primo.Mane pr.Very early in the morning. 

Magnus.Mag.Large. 

Massa.Mass.A pill mass. 

Mica panis.Mic pan.A crumb of bread. 

Misce.M.Mix. 

Mistura.Mist.A mixture. 

Mucilago.Mucil.A mucilage. 

Not. Nocte Maneque.j N Somtog ni8ht “ d the 

Numems, Numero.No.A number, In number. 

Octarius.O.A pint. 

Ovum, Ovi.Ov.An egg. 

Optimus.Opt.Best. 

Pars.Par.A part. 

Partes eequales.P ee.Equal parts. 

Par vus.Parv.Small. 

Pediluvium.A foot bath. 

Pencilium Camelinum.Pencil Cam.. . j A b ^“ h f 8 ' hair P6nCil °* 

Per fistulam vitreum.Through a glass tube. 

Phiala.Phil.A vial. 

Pilula.Pil.A pill. 

r,_. 5 According to circum- 

Pro re nata.P r n.} stances, occasionally. 

Pulvis.Pulv.A powder. 

Quantum Sufficiat.Q S.As much as is necessary. 

Quaqua hora.Q h.Every hour. 

Saturatus.Sat.Saturated. 

Scatula.Scat.A box. 

Semissis.Ss....... A half. 

Semidrachma.Semidr.A half drachm. 

Sesuncia.Sesunc.An ounce and a half. 

Signa...,.SSy.Sign. 

Sine.Without. 

Solve. Solutus.Solv.Dissolve, Dissolved. 

Solutio.Sol.A solution. 

Spiritus.Spr.A spirit. 

Statim.Stat.Immediately. 

Suppositoria.Suppos.A suppository. 

Syrupus.Syr.A syrup. 

Talis.Tal.Such or like. 

Tinctura.Tra Tr Tinct.. A tincture. 

Trochischus (Trokiscus) _Troch.A troche. 

Tritura.Trit.Triturate. 

Tere Simul.Ter Sim.Rub together. 

Ter in di.T i d.Three times a day. 

Unguentum.Ungt.An ointment. 

Vinum.Vin..A wine. 

Vehichulum.Yehic.A menstrum. 

Yitellus.Yit.The yolk (of an egg). 

Yitello Ovi Solutus.VOS.Dissolved in yolk of an egg. 















































































































116 


SECEETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

APPROXIMATE MEASURES. 

A drop=usually about I minim. 

A teaspoonful=60 drops f 3j. 

A dessertspoonful=f 3ij. 

A tablespoonful=f Sss. 

A wineglassful=f sij. 

A teacupful=f ?ix. 

TABLE TO ASSIST THE BEGINNER IN PRESCRIBING LIQUIDS. 

Having fixed upon the bulk of his liquid he will remember that the/e 
are in 

1 fluid ounce, 8 teaspoonfuls each 1 fluid drachm. 

2 fluid ounces, 15 teaspoonfuls each 1 fluid drachm. 

4 fluid ounces, 30 teaspoonfuls each 1 fluid drachm. 

4 fluid ounces, 15 dessertspoonfuls each 2 fluid drachms. 

6 fluid ounces, 20 dessertspoonfuls each 2 fluid drachms. 

6 fluid ounces, 12 tablespoonfuls each i fluid ounce. 

8 fluid ounces, 15 tablespoonfuls each 1 fluid ounce. 

1 pint, 30 tablespoonfuls, each i fluid ounce. 

1 pint, 8 wineglassfuls each 2 fluid ounces. 

TABLE FOR CALCULATING THE PERIOD OF UTERO-GESTATION. 


NINE CALENDAR MONTHS. 


TEN LUNAR MONTHS. 

From 

To 

Days. 


To 

Days. 

January 1. 

Septam her 30. 

273 


October 7. 

280 

February 1. 

October 31. 

273 


November 7. 

280 

March 1. 

November 30. 

275 


December 5. 

280 

April 1. 

December 31. 

275 


January 5. 

280 

M ay 1. 

January 31. 

276 


February 4. 

280 

June 1. 

February 28. 

273 


March 7. 

280 

July 1. 

March 3l. 

274 


April 6. 

280 

August 1. 

April 30. 

273 


May 7. 

280 

September 1. 

Mav 31. 

273 


June 7. 

280 

October 1. 

June 30. 

273 


July 7. 

280 

November 1. 

July 31. 

273 


August 7. 

280 

December 1. 

August 31. 

274 


September 6. 

280 


The above Obstetric “Ready Reckoner” consists of two columns, one 
of calendar, the other of lunar months, and may be read as follows: A 
patient has ceased to menstruate on the first day of July; her confine¬ 
ment may be expected at soonest about the 31st of March (the end of 
nine calendar months ); or at latest, on the 6th of April ( the end often 
lunar months). Another has ceased to menstruate on the 20th of Janu¬ 
ary; her confinement may be expected on the 30th of September, plus 20 
days (the end of nine calendar months ), at soonest; or on the 7th of 
October, plus 20 days (the end of ten lunar months ), at latest. 



















































AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


117 


COMMON NAMES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES. 


COMMON NAMES. 

Aqua Fortis. 

Aqua Regia. 

Blue Vitriol. 

Cream of Tartar.. 

Calomel. 

Chalk. 

Caustic Potassa. 

Chloroform. 

Common Salt. 

Copperas, or Green Vitriol 

Corrosive Sublimate. 

Diamond. 

Dry Alum. 

Epsom Salts.. 

Ethiops Mineral.. 

Fire Damp. 

Galena. 

Glauber’s-Salt. 

Glucose. 

Goulard Water. 

Iron Pyrites.. 

Jeweler’s Putty. 

King’s Yellow. 

Laughing Gas.. 

Lime. # . 

Lunar Caustic. 

Mosaic Gold. 

Muriate of Lime.. 

Nitre of Saltpetre. 

Oil of Vitriol... 

Potash.... 

Realgar.. 

Red Lead.. 

Rust of Iron. 

Salmoniac. 

Salt of Tartar.. 

Slacked Lime. 

Soda. 

Spirits of Hartshorn. 

Spirit of Salt.. 

Stucco, or Plaster of Paris 

Sugar of Lead. 

Verdigris. 

Vermillion. 

Vinegar. 

Volatile Alkali. 

Water. # . 

White Precipitate. 

White Vitriol. 


CHEMICAL NAMES. 

Nitric Acid. 

Nitro-Muriatic Acid. 

Sulphate of Copper. 

. Bitartrate Potassium. 

Chloride of Mercury. 

. Carbonate Calcium. 

Hydrate Potassium. 

Chloride of Gormyle. 

Chloride of Sodium. 

. Sulphate of Iron. 

, Bi-Chloride of Mercury. 

Pure Carbon. 

Sulphate Alluminum and Potassium 
Sulphate of Magnesia. 

. Black Sulphide of Mercury. 

. Light Carburetted Hydrogen. 

. Sulphide of Lead. 

. Sulphate of Sodium. 

. Grape Sugar. 

Basic Acetate of Lead. 

, Bi-Sulphide Iron. 

. Oxide of Tin. 

. Sulphide of Arsenic. 

. Protoxide of Nitrogen. 

. Oxide of Calcium. 

. Nitrate ot Silver. 

Bi-Sulphide of Tin. 

Chloride of Calcium. 

. Nitrate of Potash. 

Sulphuric Acid. 

Oxide of Potassium. 

. Sulphide of Arsenic. 

Oxide of Lead. 

. Oxide of Iron. 

, Muriate of Ammonia. 

.Carbonateof Potassa. 

.Hydrate Calcium. 

.Oxide of Sodium. 

, Ammonia. 

. Hydro-Chloric or Muriatic Acid. 

, Sulphate of Lime. 

. Acetate of Lead. 

, Basic Acetate of Copper. 

. Sulphide of Mercury. 

.Acetic Acid (Diluted). 

.Ammonia. 

. Oxide of Hydrogen. 

. Ammoniated Mercury. 

.Sulphate of Zinc. 



















































118 


SECRETS OE WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Proprietary ai)d Elegant Prepara¬ 
tions. 


MEDICATED PADS. 

Medicated pads are quite popular with many who have tried them, 
and a multitude of remarkable cures are attributed to their use. We 
here present formulas equal to the best, and as they are quite simple to 
prepare they can now be tried with but little expense: 

Liver Pad. 


Red Cinchona Bark (powder).4 ounces. 

Fenugreek Seed (powder). 1 ounce. 

Mandrake Root (powder).1 ounce. 

Black Root (powder). 1 ounce. 

Gum Guaiac (powder).3 ounces. 

Bayberry Bark (powder)...4 drachms. 

Oil of Eucalyptus.4 drachms. 

Grind the drugs with the powdered guaiac and add the oil. The 
above is sufficient for two pads, which should be made into an oblong 
or diamond shape, with linen or muslin, and worn over the pit of the 
stomach. Liver pads are recommended for all diseases arising from a 
disordered liver. 


Kiduey Pad. 


Useful in all diseases of the kidneys. 

Digitalis Leaves. 

Black Cohosh. 

Gum Benzoin (powdered). 

Gum Guaiacum (powdered). 

Juniper berries. 

§ ueen of the Meadow. 

il Juniper... 


2 ounces. 
1 ounce. 

1 ounce. 
1 ounce. 

, 1 ounce. 

1 ounce. 

2 ounces. 


Grind the drugs to a moderately fine powder, and mix with the oils 
and gums. Make an oblong pad and wear over the kidneys. 


Lung Pad. 

Useful in consumption and diseases of the lungs. 


Grindelia Robusta.1 ounce. 

Skullcap Leaves.1 ounce. 

Blueberry Root. £ ounce. 

Blood Root. £ ounce. 

Yerba Santa...l£ ounces. 

Gum Ammoniac.1 ounce. 

White Pine Turpentine Gum.11 ounces. 

Oil of Tar.1 ounce. 

Oil of Eucalyptus.1 ounce. 

Oil of Sassafras.1 ounce. 


Grind the drugs to a moderately fine powder and mix them with the 
oils and gums. Make an oblong pad and wear well up to the throat. 


























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


119 


Lii)ii}iei}t;s« 

Wonder Liniment. 


Oil of Sassafras.8 ounces. 

Oil of Cloves.2 ounces. 

Oil of Turpentine.4 ounces. 

Stronger W ater of Ammonia.1 ounce. 

Sulphuric Ether.4 ounces. 

Chloroform.2 ounces. 

Camphor.2 ounces, av. 

Alcohol sufficient to make.1 gallon. 

Mix and dissolve. 


As a universal liniment for both internal and external use this is 
without an equal for relieving pain. It is used where any liniment is 
likely to do good in all aches and pains. Preparations of this nature 
when used externally should be applied plentifully and vigorously. 
This is the reason why itinerant venders of liniments under various 
titles such as Wizard Oil, Pain Killer, Instant Relief, etc., produce 
such remarkable cures in public. Their remedies all possess more or 
less remedial value, but without brisk and patient rubbing they would 
do as little good when applied externally as 60 much cold water. Now 
that a reliable formula is at hand a quantity of this Wonder Liniment 
can be prepared at a minimum cost without paying for bottles, labels, 
advertising, salaries, rents, etc., which are the necessary expenses of all 
medicine firms, and which ultimately are borne by the consumer. 

Liquid Lightning. 

An excellent liniment for external application, which has been sold 
under various names, is prepared as follows: 


Essential Oil of Mustard.2 drachms. 

Aconitia.2 grains. 

Glycerine.2 ounces. 

Alcohol.4 ounces. 


Mix, and apply by rubbing with the hand. This is useful in rheuma¬ 
tism, neuralgia, headache, toothache, and all nervous pains. 

Perry Davis’ Pain Killer. 


Spirits of Camphor.2 ounces. 

Tincture of Capsicum...1 ounce. 

Tincture of Guaiac. I ounce. 

Tincture of Myrrh. & ounce. 

Alcohol.I ounces. 

Mix. 

Hamlin’s Wizard oil. 

Tincture of Camphor.1 ounce. 

Aqua Ammonia. * ounce. 

Oil of Sassafras.ounce. 

Oil of Cloves.1 drachm. 

Chloroform.2 drachms. 

Turpentine — ..* drachm. 

Alcohol.ounces. 


Mix. 


























120 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


Mexican Mustang Liniment. 

Petroleum. 

Olive Oil. 

Carbonate of Ammonia. 

Merchant’s Gargling Oil. 


Linseed Oil..... .21 pints. 

Spirits of Turpentine.21 pints. 

Western Petroleum.1 pint. 

Liquor Potassa.1 ounce. 

Sap Green.1 drachm. 

Mix. 


Equal parts 
and mix. 


Radway’s Ready Relief. 

This remedy, according to Peckolt, is an ethereal tincture of capsi¬ 
cum with alcohol and camphor. 


Liver ]{egU)abr« 


Senna Alex.12 drachms. 

Podophyllin. 8 drachms. 

Leptandria Virg.. 3 drachms. 

Virginia Snake Root. 6 drachms. 

Ginseng.3 drachms. 

Alcohol.. 6 ounces. 

Boiling water, to make. 1 quart. 


Dose, teaspoonful to one-half wineglassful, as needed. For all bil¬ 
ious diseases or disorders arising from torpidity of the liver, dyspepsia, 
bilious headache, costiveness, sour stomach, jaundice, heartburn, nerv¬ 
ousness, restlessness, etc. 


Elixir Cascara Sagrada CoijtpoUijd 


Fluid Extract Cascara.4 ounces. 

Tincture Nux Vomica.1 drachm. 

Glycerine.2 ounces. 

Syrup of Ginger.2 ounces. 

Peppermint Water.4 ounces. 

Simple Elixir, to make.1 pint. 

Mix and filter. 


Dose, one teaspoonful before eating. For headache, constipation, 
biliousness, dyspepsia, or all diseases arising from torpidity of the liver. 

Kilner's Formulary. 


Pr- llaijiiltoi) 5 s plood PUrifier. 

Better than S. S. S. or any blood medicine on the market. A specific 
for scrofula, syphilis, rheumatism, and all impurities of the blood: 























AND GREAT PHYSICIANS. 


121 


Black Cohosh. 1 ounce. 

Blood Root. 4 ounce. 

Poke Root.1 drachm. 

Rider Flowers. 14 ounces. 

Sassafras Bark. 4 ounce. 

Spikenard Root.i4 ounces. 

Water.4 ounces. 

Simple Elixir, q. s. to make...1 pint. 

Macerate the drugs with alcohol and water, and after a few days 
transfer to percolator. Percolate till clear, and then add to simple 
eUxir. 

Dose, one to two teaspoonfuls three times' a day. 


Jlloock PUrifyiijg Tea* 


Burdock Root, cut.2 ounces. 

Blue Flag Root, cut.2 ounces. 

Dandelion Root, cut.14 ounces. 

Sassafras Root, cut. 4 ounce. 

Sarsaparilla Root, cut.2 ounce. 

Wild Cherry Bark, cut.1 ounce. 

Yellow Dock Root, cut. 4 ounce. 


Mix thoroughly. Take two ounces of the tea and steep in a quart of 
water, with gentle heat, for two.hours; strain off 14 pints into a quart 
bottle and add half a pint of alcohol and 4 ounces of sugar. The dose 
is a wineglassful for adults before meals and at bedtime; children, in 
proportion to age. 


\Varijer 5 s Safe Hidrjey aijd Liver 

CUre, 

In Germany each maker of patents must furnish the Government 
with the formula for the patent he makes. This is the one furnished 
by Warner for “Safe Kidney and Liver Cure.” Each bottle contains: 


Extract of Lycopus Yirginiana (the herd).308 grains. 

Extract of Hepatica (the herb).232 grains. 

Extract of Gaultheria. 74 grains. 

Potassium Nitrate. 39 grains. 

Alcohol (90°). 24 ounces. 

Glycerine. 10 drachms. 

Water, sufficient to make. 1 pint. 


Any one can now make this preparation equally as well as Warner. 

Fenner's Formulary. 


Electric Catarrh Heijiedy. 

This remedy, under various electrical names, is inclosed in a closely 
stoppered bottle or box containing a bit of zinc and copper to which is 
attached a piece of cotton or sponge saturated with the preparation. 

























SECRETS OP WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 


122 

which is very volatile and irritating to the mucuons membrane, and 
produces by inhalation a decided effect at once. The patient is led to 
believe that there is some electrical value attached to the combination, 
and, strange to say, in the face of such absurdity it has many votaries; 
however, notwithstanding the electrical deception it has merits as an 
inhalant, and remakable cures of catarrh, headache, neuralgia, etc., are 
.ascribed to its use. The following is the required formula: 


Essential Oil of Mustard.1 ounce. 

Carbolic Acid.1 ounce. 

Oil of Hemlock.1 ounce. 

Camphor.1 ounce, 

Alcohol.4 ounces. 


Mix and dissolve. This can also be used as an external application, 
though not so good as another under the head of “Liquid Lightning” 
(see page 119). 


Catarrh Sijtoff. 


Calomel. 1 drachm. 

Camphor, pulverized.1 drachm. 

Acacia.2 drachms. 


Catarrh Salve. 

The following remedy for catarrh, and other uses for which it is 
recommended, was patented by William H. Thomas of Los Angeles, 
Cal. From the nature of its ingredients and mode of preparation we 
are led to believe that it is the most elegant and effective of all the 
“salve catarrh remedies” that have been brought to our notice: 


Petrolatum.1 ounce. 

Pimento (powd. allspice).4 grains. 

Thymol.4 grains. 

Boracic Acid.2 grains. 

Subnitrate of Bismuth.2 grains. 

Spirit of Wintergreen.3 drops. 

Cassia Lanceolata Leaves (senna). \ ounce. 


The boracic acid, subnitrate of bismuth, thymol, and pimento is 
placed in a mortar and reduced to a fine powder. The leaves of the 
cassia lanceolata are subjected with the petrolatum to a sufficient de¬ 
gree of heat to extract the active principles of the leaves, after which 
the petrolatum is strained off and added to the powdered substances 
before mentioned with the spirit of wintergreen, the whole being thor¬ 
oughly commingled and mixed in any convenient manner. In using 
the compound it is applied locally in the usual manner by means of the 
fingers or any material by which the application can be thoroughly 
effected. As an ointment it is especially applicable to the treatment 
of catarrh, malignant sores, abrasions, and other affections where a 
local remedy can be applied. 

















AND GREAT EHY&IOIANS. 


123 


Rubber Patching agd Water* 
proofing. 



Capt. Paul Boyton, the famous aquatic voyager in his rubber suit, 
has furnished, us two practical suggestions in regard to patching rubber 

boots, coats, etc., and also'to water¬ 
proof sails, tents, awnings, and 
similar fabrics. 


To Patch a Rubber Boot or Gar* 
ment. 


Take a piece of sand-paper and 
roughen the edges of the break as 
far around as the size of the patch. 
Next apply rubber cement to the 
roughened surface, and at the 
same time cement a piece of rub¬ 
ber cloth or cloth well coated with 
the cement. Let both remain for 
four hours in a place free from 
dust. Then put on another thin coat of cement and let them lay for 
about two hours. Next place the patch carefully over the break and 
hammer well together. Let stand for a few hours and the place will be 
as strong and tight as ever. Be sure the patch and the article to be 
patched are perfectly dry before applying the cement. 

Pure natural rubber or rubber cement can be obtained at any rubber 
store, also prepared patch cloth. 


To Make Rubber Cement. 

Take half a pound of pure natural rubber, cut it into small pieces, 
and dissolve it in a sufficient quantity of 100 proof naptha. It will take 
from two to three days to dissolve properly. 

To Waterproof Canvas or Cloth. 

Take one pound of yellow paraffine wax and dissolve in one quart of 
benzine. Apply with a brush. 


To Make Tissues I ijcoijibUsiible, 

The Societ6 d’ Encouragement of Paris has recently awarded a prize 
of 2,000 francs to J. A. Martin of Paris for the following preparations 
for making tissues fire-proof. The conditions under which the award 
was offered were as follows: The ingredients constituting the prepara¬ 
tions must be cheap and easily applied, must neither injure the tissues 
themselves nor their colors, must be neither of a poisonous nor caustic 
nature, must not change in a very moist nor very dry atmosphere, and 






124 


SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

finally the impregnated tissues and wood must remain incombustible 
after they have been exposed for one month to a temperature of 100° to 
120° Fahr. It was found that Martin’s fluids made the tissues and the 
surface of wood incombustible, that they do not attack the tissues and 
their colors, and that they remained incombustible after having been 
exposed for several months in a drying chamber to a temperature of 97° 
Fahr. The experiments were made by the Society and at the same time 
in the different Pans.theaters. 

For all Light Tissues. 


Ammonium Sulphate. 8 parts. 

Pure Ammonium Carbonate.... 21 parts. 

Boracic Acid. 3 parts. 

Starch... 2 parts. 

Water.100 parts. 


Two-fifths part of dextrine (or the same quantity of gelatine) may be 
substituted for the 2 parts of starch. The fluid is heated to 85° Fahr. 
and the tissues immersed in it until they are thoroughly permeated. 
They are then slightly wrung and dried sufficiently for ironing. The 
quantity of the starch or dextrine or gelatine may be changed according 
as the tissues are to be more or less stiff. 

For Painted Decorations and Wood. 

Sal-ammoniac. 15 parts. 

Boracic Acid. 5 parts. 

Glue. 50 parts. 

Gelatine.. II parts. 

Water.;.100 parts. 

Add sufficient powdered talc to give the mass the necessary consist¬ 
ency. For use it is heated to 120° or 140° Fahr. and applied with a brush. 
For decorations already painted it suffices to apply it to the back and 
wooden frames. 

For Coarse Linen, Ropes, Straw, and Wood. 


Sal-ammoniac. 15 parts. 

Boracic Acid. 6 parts. 

Borax. 3 parts. 

Water.100 parts. 


The fluid is heated to 220° Fahr. and the articles are submerged in it 
for 15 to 20 minutes, wrung out slightly, and dried.— Techno-Chemical 
Receipt Book. 


Gold arjd Silver Iijks. 

Take equal parts of gold leaf (or silver leaf) and honey. Triturate 
them in a mortar until perfectly fine, add about 30 parts hot water, and 
triturate. Allow to settle and pour off the water. Triturate again with 
fresh hot water. Allow to settle and pour off as before. Repeat the 
washing several times until the honey is all washed out, then dry the 
powdered gold leaf and mix it with water and gum arabic. It must be 
shaken occasionally while writing. Very tine bronze may be made into 
ink by adding water and gum arabic and shaking occasionally while 
writing. (For other inks see page 20.) 
















SECRETS OF WISE MEN, CHEMISTS, 

'Worcestershire Salice 


125 


The composition of this sauce is a trade secret, but a variety of sim¬ 
ilar sauces are found on the market. A good imitation may be made as 
follows: 

Chop the green outer covering of unripe walnuts 5 pounds, bruise 
them to a pulp in a mortar, pour upon them 6 pints of good strong vin¬ 
egar, and after standing a day heat to boiling and strain with strong 
pressure. To the liquid thus obtained add garlic, grated to a pulp, 2 
ounces; capsicum, in fine powder, 2 ounces; black pepper, 1 ounce; cin¬ 
namon, 11 ounces; nutmeg, 1 ounce; allspice, 1 ounce; cloves, 1 ounce, 
all in fine powder; salt, 12 ounces; brown sugar, 8 ounces, and enough 
good vinegar to make 1 gallon of the finished product. This is to stand 
for some time, with frequent agitation, and then be put up in bottles. 


puHer Color- 

Annatto, fresh and of good quality, 2 pounds; salad oil of good qual¬ 
ity without flavor (purified cotton-seed oil is best), sufficient to make 1 
gallon. Rub the annatto with a portion, about one-third, of the oil and 
macerate it by the heat of a water-bath for 12 hours, stirring occasion¬ 
ally, pour off the liquid and add to the residue another portion, about 
one-third of the oil, and macerate as before, adding the product of the 
portion before reserved, then add the remainder of the oil to the sedi¬ 
ment, macerate as before and add the product to the reserved portions 
to make 1 gallon of butter color.— Fenner's Formulary. 


l^arey^s Original Horse Ligiijiegt- 


Alcohol (95°).8 ounces. 

Spirit of Turpentine.8 ounces. 

Oil of Sassafras.1 ounce. 

Oil of Pennyroyal.1 ounce. 

Oil of Origanum.1 ounce. 

British Oil.1 ounce. 

Tincture of Arnica.1 ounce. 

Tincture of Cantharides’..1 ounce. 

Tincture of Camphor.1 ounce. 

Aqua Ammoniee.1 ounce. 


Mix them, and make a liniment. 


Hog Cholera Clire. 

Powdered mandrake, 4 pounds; powdered charcoal, 2 pounds; pow¬ 
dered resin, 1 pound; powdered saltpetre, 1 pound; powdered madder, 
1 pound; powdered bicarbonate of soda, 11 pounds. Mix thoroughly. 
Give a tablespoonful daily in feed; as a preventive, give twice a week. 













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